Lightning conductor engineer

Richard Galvin, a former Lightning Conductor Engineer with Orion Lightning Protection Limited.

What do you do?

I work for a specialist lightning protection company. We install systems to direct the energy from lightning away from tall buildings and into the earth so that no damage is caused. We sometimes complete electrical earthing work for power stations. All jobs are different so it’s hard to describe a typical day. One day I might be on a roof, another day I might be earthing. However, we always have equipment to set up and then take down at the end of the job and the safety checks must always be completed properly.

How did you get started?

I went to work straight from school. I didn’t go to college. I got a job as a landscape labourer. It was fine in the summer but when winter came, the work dried up and I was unemployed for a while. I actually think this helped me though. By the time I came to complete my college training for the job I’m in now, I was a bit more mature and didn’t mess around, which I might have done if I was a bit younger!

I was offered this job while I was out of work. My dad is an electrician and he carried out some work for the company I now work for. He mentioned I was looking for work. I got an interview and was offered the job. I started as a trainee and completed an apprenticeship with CITB. This took two years and involved training at the National Construction College in Norfolk on a four weeks on, four weeks off basis.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I like the travelling. I get to see all different places all over the country. Because we are a specialist company there aren’t many lightning conductor engineers so I travel all over the place. I also like the variety that my job gives me. No two days are ever the same! And you get some great views from the heights we work at!

What skills do you need?

You definitely need a good head for heights. On average, we work at between 150 and 200 feet above the ground, although we could work at any height. You need to be good with your hands and able to think on your feet. There are many times when the job isn’t as straightforward as you thought it might be. You have to be able to problem-solve quickly and find a workable solution so that you can still get the job done in a safe manner.

Career highlights?

Some of the buildings I’ve worked on are amazing and I’m proud to say that I’ve contributed to them. For example, I have worked on the Arundel cathedral in West Sussex. I’m also proud that I completed my apprenticeship and gained a formal qualification for what I do.

Big ambition?

I want to do this job but at a more senior level, perhaps as a manager. Hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to progress if the company I’m working for continues to grow. I’d like the responsibility of supervising other team members.

Any advice about joining the construction industry?

Do it! There is always work in construction. Even in the tough times there is building work that needs doing. And if you pick a more specialist role, like mine, the chances of staying in work are even better.