Lightning Conductor Engineer

Lightning conductor engineers install a variety of lightning protection and earthing installations. Engineers spend much of their time installing roof conductors, down conductors and earth terminations on all types of structures, including industrial chimneys, power stations and chemical works, church spires, bridges and high-rise buildings.

There are several phases involved in every project, including:

• planning the work using technical drawings
• putting up access ladders, mobile scaffolding, elevated work platforms (cradles) and traditional harnesses
• working at heights, completing the actual installation and testing it
• taking down access equipment
• conducting annual inspections, maintenance and installation tests and upgrading existing systems.

Their work might also include:

• specialist earthing of computer anti-static floor systems
• earthing of military equipment, for instance aircraft
• working with electricians to protect computer and electronic equipment
• heritage buildings.

Hours of work vary. Shifts and overtime, including evenings and weekends, are often required. They work outdoors, at varying heights, in all but the most severe of weather conditions. Spending variable durations away from home may be required.

Salaries usually range from around £15,500 a year to over £25,500 a year for senior engineers.

A lightning conductor engineer needs to be:

• comfortable working at heights
• physically fit for climbing
• sure-footed
• responsible and committed to safe working practices
• organised and methodical
• practical and enjoy working outdoors.

Most jobs are with specialist lightning engineering firms, the majority of which are city based. The number of engineers is increasing, with several hundred in the UK.

There are no set entry qualifications. However, GCSEs (A*-E) in English, maths, science subjects, and design and technology are useful. The Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group, together with ConstructionSkills, offers around 16 to 24 sponsored Apprenticeship places each year. Applicants are assessed for literacy, colour vision and their ability to work at heights.

Apprentices complete a course offered by ConstructionSkills over two years, which includes 23 weeks of block-release study and gaining the NVQ Level 2 in lightning conductor engineering.

Experienced engineers can be promoted to supervisor, then manager. It is possible to become self-employed or work abroad.

Further details