This apprenticeship standard has been approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. However, starts on the apprenticeship will only be possible once a suitable end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) has obtained Ofqual recognition. Once the EPAO has obtained Ofqual recognition, funding for apprentice starts will be permitted and this message will be removed.
Conduct routine inspections, maintenance tasks and minor planned and responsive repair works to buildings and structures at height.
This occupation is found in the construction, heritage facilities management, infrastructure, transportation, heavy industry including utilities and petrochemical sectors. Steeplejacks are needed when conventional modes of access have been considered but deemed unfeasible. They typically work for specialist contractors. The range of size of this kind of employer around the UK varies from micro employers up to large employers.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to conduct routine inspections, maintenance tasks and minor planned and responsive repair works to buildings and structures at height. The principal skill and benefit of steeplejack services centres around the complexity of access to a structure. Steeplejacks erect high ladders, work in a team to build steeplejack scaffolding, set up various motorised access equipment and climb and abseil structures using various methods such as rope access.
Steeplejacks work outdoors at varying heights, in all weather conditions. The work is physically demanding and includes rigging, climbing, and carrying ladders, tools, and safety equipment at height. Steeplejacks wear protective clothing and headgear.
The hours of work vary. Shifts and overtime, including evenings and weekends, may be required.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with their immediate team, project managers, supervisors and safety representatives, contractors, site management and safety teams which could include a senior or craft steeplejack providing advice and guidance They could also interact with clients or their representatives, materials, and equipment suppliers.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for working in a team, using equipment, materials and tools to access work at height. Steeplejacks follow method statements and safe systems of work, liaise and agree work areas with construction site management teams and or building managers and client representatives.
They are responsible for recognising their own level of competence, and report back to their supervisor or manager. Management will make the decision to amend the works required within the competence of the operative or assign the job to a craft steeplejack or more experienced professional. Steeplejacks may be required to establish their own safety equipment to ensure safe access, safe system of work and safe egress, along with protection of the public or building users, in line with statutory rules, regulations, company protocols and guidance.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 5 hours. They will ask you at least 3 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 8 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 16/08/2024 | Not set |
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