The trade of a steeplejack, like that of a stonemason, is a traditional craft that is still in high demand. Steeplejacks use a wide range of skills – painting, welding, replacing glass – in a variety of different structures, to do renovations and repairs.
The defining aspect of a steeplejack's work, however, is that it is all carried out at great heights, for example, on church spires and chimneys.
Are you suited to a career as a steeplejack?
You’ll be working out in all weathers at great heights so a love of the great outdoors is essential, and a good head for heights. A steeplejack’s job involves dangerous situations. so you should have an awareness of safety issues, including the safety of people on the ground.
Entry requirements and training for a career as a steeplejack
There are no set entry requirements to train as a steeplejack, although GCSEs / Standard Grades in Maths, English, Science and Design & Technology may be helpful for the calculations and measurements.
Sponsored training for steeplejacks is offered through the Atlas Training Group (formerly the Steeplejack Industry Training Group) and ConstructionSkills for those aged 16. Applicants for the scheme have to pass a variety of assessments including literary, maths, problem solving and an aptitude test. Each year the scheme offers 12 course places for trainee steeplejacks. Trainees are sponsored by employers and spend 6 months spread over a two-year period at the ConstructionSkills base in Norfolk. Throughout the scheme you work towards NVQ / SVQ Levels 2 and 3 and are almost certain to be offered a job at the end.
Apprenticeship courses are also available.
Prospects for steeplejacks
Opportunities may be available to progress to supervisory roles. Some steeplejacks set up their own businesses.
Pay for steeplejacks
Wages are set by the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council annually and the latest craft rates for steeplejacks are published online by UCATT. The current weekly craft rate is £351.00, based on a 39-hour week. The basic wage may be boosted by incentive schemes on offer at some companies.
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