APPRENTICES AND ADULT LEARNERS
Apprenticeships are available for either Lightning Conductor Engineer or Steeplejack. Information for both can be found on this page. Information regarding Adult entry is included at the end of each section.
For further information on apprenticeships, please contact CITB-ConstructionSkills www.cskills.org/workinconstr/index.aspx
To download the latest copy of the apprenticeship brochure, please follow this link www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk/pdf/ncc/prospectus/apprenticeships.pdf
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APPRENTICE LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR ENGINEER
Lightning Conductor Engineers work at heights on all types of structures carrying out a variety of lightning protection and earthing installations from the most basic to the highly complex.
In order to create a safe working environment Lightning Conductor Engineers begin by carefully planning the job to be carried out, working to a technical drawing of the installation to be fitted. On site they put up access ladders, mobile scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms and the traditional bosun's seat (harness) and fall arrest devices. They would also work off existing scaffolds erected by the main contractor or client. In many circumstances Industrial Rope Access (Abseiling) techniques are used. They would have to climb or be elevated to the place of work with their tools to carry out the operations of protecting the building. Projects of protection are usually in different phases, so a visit to do further work on the same structure is normal. Once the job is completed they would dismantle any access equipment and return the structure to normality.
Lightning Conductor Engineer tasks also can include:
- Specialist earthing of computer anti-static floor systems
- Earthing of military equipment ie aircrafts
- Protection of computer / electronic equipment in conjunction with an electrician
- Protection of historic buildings
Lightning Conductor Engineers work on all types of structures, ranging from supermarkets, flats, schools, hospitals, communication towers and office tower blocks to industrial structures such as chemical works and power stations.
Lightning Conductor Engineers must have:
- A good head for heights - this is absolutely essential
- Physical fitness for climbing and holding
- Hand skills are required for using tools
- The ability to work well with others - safety depends on teamwork
- A sound knowledge of correct working and safety practices
- Good organisational skills. they must prepare carefully for each job as it could be a long way to the ground if anything gets forgotten
- A good sense of balance and be sure-footed.
- A desire to work outdoors.
Entry and Training
There are no specific entry qualifications but GCSEs/S grades (A-E/1-5) in maths, English, science subjects and CDT are useful. Lightning Conductor Engineers particularly need knowledge of maths to help them learn basic electrical theory.
Young people applying for Apprentice sponsored training through the Steeplejack Industry Training Group Association and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have to sit an aptitude exercise involving maths, and problem solving. They also have to be checked for literacy.
Each year there are 24 places for trainee Lightning Conductor Engineers on the two-year course organised by the CITB. For further information please contact CITB. http://cskills.org/workinconstr/routesintoconstruction/apprenticeships/index.aspx
Trainees are sponsored by an employer and spend about six months, spread over two years at the CITB residential National Construction College in Bircham Newton, Norfolk. They work towards NVQs/SVQs Levels 2 or 3 in Lightning Conductor Engineering. Qualifications Attainable include:
- Foundation Modern Apprenticeship - Lightning Conductor Engineer
- NVQ Level 2
- NVQ Level 3
- Abrasive Wheels (CITB)
- Industrial Rope Access (CITB)
- Mobile Towers (CITB)
- First Aid Certificate
- Fire Fighting
- Health and Safety Test
- Safe use of Ladders
- Manual Handling
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships may be available for young people in England. Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeships (Scotland), Modern Apprenticeships (Northern Ireland) and Foundation Modern Apprenticeships and Modern Apprenticeships (Wales) may also be available. Contact your local Connexions Partnership, Learning and Skills Council (LSC), Local Enterprise Company (LEC), Jobcentre in Northern Ireland or the National Council - (ELWa) in Wales
Adult Entry
People of any age can start work with a Lightning Conductor Engineering company, receive training and gain recognition of their skills through working towards NVQs/SVQs, but this is likely to be more difficult for people over the age of forty.
APPRENTICE STEEPLEJACK
Steeplejacks work at heights on tall structures carrying out a variety of building, repair and maintenance jobs and installing basic lightning protection systems. Much of the work involves renovation, e.g. on power station chimneys, cooling towers, oil refineries, tower blocks, bridges, church spires or even castles.
In order to create a safe working environment Steeplejacks begin by carefully planning the job to be carried out, on site they put up access ladders, scaffolding, work platforms (cradles) and the traditional bosun's seat (harness) and fall arrest devices.. In many circumstances Industrial Rope Access (Abseiling) techniques are used. They would have to climb up to high places with their tools to carry out operations such as repairs, painting, inspection, demolition and rebuilding. Once the job is completed they would dismantle all the access equipment and return the structure to normality.
Steeplejack tasks also include:
- installing fall arrest systems
- erecting, inspecting and dismantling all types of chimneys
- fitting aircraft warning lights on tall
- installing basic lightning conductors.
Steeplejacks must have:
- a good head for heights - this is absolutely essential
- physical fitness for extensive climbing
- hand skills are required for using tools
- the ability to work well with others - safety depends on teamwork
- attention to detail is essential
- a sound knowledge of correct working and safety practices
- good organisational skills. They must prepare carefully for each job as it can be a long way to the ground if anything gets forgotten
- a good sense of balance and be sure-footed.
- a desire to work outdoors.
Entry and Training
There are no specific entry qualifications but GCSEs/S grades (A-E/1-5) in maths, English, science subjects and CDT are useful.
Young people applying for Apprentice through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have to sit an aptitude exercise involving maths, and problem solving. They also have to be checked for literacy.
Each year there are up to 12 places for trainee Steeplejacks on the three-year course organised by the CITB. For further information please contact CITB http://www.cskills.org/workinconstr/routesintoconstruction/apprenticeships/index.aspx
Trainees are sponsored by an employer and spend about six months, spread over three years at the CITB residential National Construction College in Bircham Newton, Norfolk. They work towards NVQs/SVQs Levels 2 or 3 in Steeplejacking. Qualifications Attainable include:
- Foundation Modern Apprenticeship - Steeplejacking
- NVQ Level 2
- NVQ Level 3
- Slinger/Signaller
- Abrasive Wheels (CITB)
- Industrial Rope Access (CITB)
- Mobile Towers (CITB)
- Passport to Safety
- First Aid Certificate
- Fire Fighting
- Health and Safety Test
- Safe use of Ladders
- Manual Handling
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships may be available for young people in England. Skillseekers and Modern Apprenticeships (Scotland), Modern Apprenticeships (Northern Ireland) and Foundation Modern Apprenticeships and Modern Apprenticeships (Wales) may also be available. Contact your local Connexions Partnership, Learning and Skills Council (LSC), Local Enterprise Company (LEC), Jobcentre in Northern Ireland or the National Council - (ELWa) in Wales.
Adult Entry
People of any age can start work with a Steeplejack company, receive training and gain recognition of their skills through working towards NVQs/SVQs, but this is likely to be more difficult for people over the age of forty.