UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 83
Training the Next Generation of
Steeplejacks: Meet Will Wylie
ATLAS has been representing the leading companies in the lightning protection and specialist
access at height sectors since 1946. Celebrating the highest standards for over 75 years, ATLAS is
at the forefront of industry developments and committed to improving working practices, technical
excellence and the skills of the workforce to provide the highest quality service to the industry’s
clients.
Get to know Will Wylie, steeplejack lecturer at CITB
Many in the industry will already know Will, but with his move
into lecturing, we wanted to take a closer look at his career,
what inspired him to step into training, and what excites him
most about helping shape the future of steeplejacking.
over the country doing jobs from laddering, to rigging
scaffolding and cradles, painting and maintenance,
and erection and demolition of all types of structures.
The most memorable demolition was Cleveland Potash
in Redcar. As time went on, I moved towards the rope
access side, and then I trained to IRATA level 3. With this, I
then travelled offshore around the world, where I worked
on oil rigs, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and the Bataan oil
refinery in the Philippines. I also went to Holland, where I
worked as a rescue diver. I’ve always been very handson with steeplejacking.”
So, Will, tell us a bit about your background. How did
you first get into steeplejacking, and what kind of work
have you done over the years?
“
Before I started steeplejacking, I worked on building sites
from a young age with my uncles, and I also climbed
for sport in my free time. It was my brother Scott Wylie
who got me into the steeplejack trade by telling his boss
about me. His employer, Stuart Murray from Churchill
Steeplejack Ltd, based in Nottingham, gave me an
interview and took me on as a trainee. I never looked
back from that day and was hooked. I then ended up
staying with Churchill’s for around 20 years altogether.
“
What inspired you to make the move into training the
next generation of steeplejacks?
“
My move into training the next generation began when
I received a call asking if I would be interested in the
opportunity to work as a lecturer at the CITB college. At
the time, I turned this offer down as I felt I was not ready to
leave working as a steeplejack. Some time passed, and
I was contacted again with the same opportunity. I felt it
was the right moment to change my career. I discussed
I completed my training at the CITB College and began
working in the trade like a duck to water. I worked all
UK CONSTRUCTION JOURNAL
81
