A Steeplejack or Lightning Conductor engineer fits lightning protection systems and carries out building, repair, maintenance and renovation work at heights. You would work on industrial chimneys, power station cooling towers, church spires, high-rise buildings and bridges
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Steeplejack- from: Youtube Search
- Steeplejack / Manager- from: icould [UK] Video
Working Life
Steeplejacks renovate, repair and maintain tall structures such as spires, monuments, towers and industrial chimneys.
They work at great heights using scaffolding, ladders and ropes.
Tasks involve replacing or repairing damaged concrete, brickwork, stonework and roof tiles. The job may also involve replacing damaged glass, installing lightning conductors, putting up steel chimneys, welding metals, sandblasting, carpentry, other masonry skills and painting.
For most jobs, steeplejacks work with a partner for safety reasons.
Steeplejacks must wear protective clothing, including a safety helmet, protective footwear and other items such as ear-protectors and gloves.
Further Information
- Steeplejack or Lightning Conductor Engineer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Steeplejack
As a steeplejack you must be physically fit, with plenty of stamina.
The work involves a lot of bending, lifting and stretching.
You need a good head for heights.
You must follow safety rules and procedures at all times and you must take extreme care when working at great heights.
Steeplejacks have to be alert at all times and need to remain focused on the job.
Interests - Steeplejack
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Steeplejack
A background in construction operative skills (scaffolding etc.) may be an advantage. Training is carried out on the job working by an experienced Steeplejack.
Key Skill Certs:
Working at Height: - Safety Harness working, [MEWP] mobile elevated work platform
These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: construction, overhead power line operative.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include:
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Scaffolding, Arboriculture.
Some apprenticeships may require working at height, newer programs of Scaffolding & Arboriculture at NFQ levels 5-6, will draw on skills of working at height using harness.
Search for Apprenticeships
Pay & Salary - Steeplejack
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €41k
Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ CIF Rates
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Steeplejack
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Weavers and knitters; Upholsterers; Footwear and leather working trades; Tailors and dressmakers Textiles; garments and related trades n.e.c.; Pre-press technicians; Printers Print finishing and binding workers; Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers; Florists Other skilled trades n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The five-year annual average employment growth rate was below average for this occupation, although there was an increase of over 2,000 persons employed between 2021 and 2022. As the Census data indicates, there are a large number of roles within this group, with many employing fewer than 1,000 persons. Between 2016 and 2022, employment levels fell for many of these roles.
Despite the decline in employment evident in the Census data, the Skills for Growth data indicates issues with recruitment of upholsterers for both the industry and retail (repair) sectors; upholsterers also appeared in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data (albeit in small numbers), along with spray painters (included in the other skilled trades n.e.c. category). Although demand for many of these trades have declined in recent years, an increased focus on the circular economy may see increased demand, or at least slow the decline for roles such as upholsterers and tailors.
Useful Contacts - Steeplejack
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Construction Industry Federation
