Lightning conductor engineer

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Lightning Conductor Engineer

Lightning Conductor Engineers make sure that buildings and other structures are safe if they’re struck by lightning.

The Role

  • Installing lightning conductors
  • Earthing military equipment (including aircraft)
  • Protecting historic buildings
  • Working with electricians to protect computers and other electronic equipment
  • Carrying out repairs, maintenance and renovation work on industrial chimneys, power station cooling towers, church spires, castles, high-rise buildings and bridges
  • Assembling ladders and scaffolding, mobile work platforms called cradles, traditional harnesses (bosun’s seats) and industrial ropes for abseiling
  • Dismantling all the equipment and returning it to the ground once the work has been completed
  • Lightning Conductor Engineers usually work outdoors and in all weathers
  • The work can be physically challenging and often means working evenings and weekends.

Salary

  • Newly trained Lightning Conductor Engineers can earn in the region of £14,000 - £17,000
  • Trained with experience Lightning Conductor Engineers can earn in the region of £18,000 - £28,000
  • Senior/Master Craft Lightning Conductor Engineers can earn in the region of £28,000 - £32,000
  • Self-employed Lightning Conductor Engineers set their own pay rates

Salaries depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do. 

Qualifications and Training

You don’t need any specific qualifications for starting this career but employers often prefer you to have GCSE grades A* - C (or equivalent, such as a L2 B-Tech, the Welsh Baccalaureate) in subjects such as Maths, English, Science or Design and Technology.

A good head for maths helps with understanding how electricity works. It may also help if you have some experience of working in general construction as a labourer, scaffolder or tradesperson. You might also need a driving licence.

A good start to your career is applying for an apprenticeship so you can earn as you learn. That means an employer supports you while you train. You work towards an NVQ Level 2 in Lightning Conductor Engineering. This includes installing lightning conductors, taking site measurements, doing evaluations and installing earthing systems to buildings. You also learn about rope access, mobile towers, first aid, fire fighting, the safe use of ladders and manual handling.

Career trends and forecasts

55,480

total staff needed

The UK construction industry will need a total of 55,480 specialist building operative roles (which includes lightning conductor engineers) to meet demand between 2017 - 2021, according to the latest Construction Skills Network research (LMI). The majority of this demand will be in East of England and East Midlands.

Next Steps

Vacancies

Check out the latest Lightning Conductor Engineer vacancies: 

As these are external websites, the number of job vacancies related to your preferred job role may vary. 

Check daily to see new opportunities as they are posted!

Find out more

For information on the Lightning conductor engineer role in Scotland please visit the Skills Development Scotland website My World of Work.

Take our Personality Quiz to find out which role is right for you.

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