The role of a chimney sweep is to clean the chimneys and flues of open fires and other coal, gas, oil and wood fired heating systems. A chimney sweep will remove soot and debris using an industrial vacuum cleaner, use a variety of equipment such as smoke-generating machines and CCTV cameras to examine chimneys, and provide advice to customers on the safety of chimneys, appliances and flues. The average annual salary of a chimney sweep is variable, they typically work 39 to 41 hours per week and may occasionally be required to work weekends. Let’s take a look at the skills and duties and how to become a chimney sweep.
Skills and knowledge
Before you learn how to become a chimney sweep, let’s look at the skills and knowledge you need to make sure this is a role that is suited to you. As a chimney sweep, you will need to be able to work well with your hands and have physical skills such as movement, coordination, dexterity and grace. It is also crucial that you have good knowledge of building regulations, public safety and security and work to industry standards. You will also need to be able to use your own initiative and be thorough, with a meticulous attention to detail and exceptional concentration skills. It is important you are able to remain calm under stressful situations, staying patient. As this is a customer facing role, you will need to have good customer service skills, as well as an ability to carry out simple tasks on a computer and/or hand-held device.
Duties of a UK chimney sweep
Before you begin your chimney sweep career you need to learn how to become a chimney sweep and what daily duties would be expected of you. Most UK chimney sweep workers are self-employed, however, some secure roles with solid fuel distributors. Regardless of whether you work for a company or yourself, the duties you are expected to engage in will remain the same, with focus primarily on residential services. In your chimney sweep training you will be taught how to properly inspect the chimney or flue before you clean it, chimney inspection will always be your first task in chimney maintenance. You will need to remove soot and debris using an industrial vacuum cleaner. Chimney cleaning and soot removal requires the use of professional equipment which you will be expected to use, including using brushes on extended rods to clean the chimney or flue, smoke-generating machines and CCTV cameras to examine the chimney. Chimney sweeping is one the most traditional trades and one of the most important duties of a chimney sweep is to advise customers on the safety of chimneys, appliances and flues.
How to become a chimney sweep
There are a couple of ways you can secure a role as a chimney sweep. The first way is to work towards the role by finding an experienced chimney sweep to take you on as an assistant which will allow you to train on the job. As part of the training you will be expected to complete the relevant certification, such as a Level 2 Certificate in Chimney Sweeping or Level 2 Diploma in Chimney Engineering. Previous experience and/or education isn’t a requirement, however, experience in construction or engineering may be helpful when completing these courses. Another route you can take is to complete a training course with a professional body. They offer a range of courses from introductory level, to advanced. Once you have secured the certifications you need and have gained some relevant experience, you can then go onto establish your own chimney sweep business. You may also be able to secure a role on an apprenticeship to become a chimney sweep. There aren’t lots of chimney sweep apprenticeships available so if you are lucky enough to find one when you look, it is highly recommended you apply for it, but be advised that there may be a lot of competition due to the shortage of apprenticeships. For this reason we recommend gaining some qualifications and/or experience, to place you in the best position to be successful. A “find an apprenticeship” service can help you to find what you’re looking for, and you have the option to set up alerts so you will be notified when any relevant apprenticeships become available.
Professional development opportunities
The best way to gain professional development opportunities as a chimney sweep is to join professional and industry bodies such as the Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme (HETAS), the National Association of Chimney Sweeps, the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps, the Association of Professional and Independent Chimney Sweeps and/or Sweep Safe. One of the main career progression opportunities available to you as a chimney sweep is to take further training to become a chimney and flue engineer.