Chimney sweep

As a chimney sweep you clean and inspect chimneys and heating systems so people can fire safely without risk of fire or smoke poisoning. You go around many homes and businesses and are an important part of fire safety. It is an independent trade with fresh air physical work and plenty of contact with people.

§What do you do in everyday life?

A typical day involves traveling to customers sweeping chimneys and wood stoves and checking that fires and drains are in order and fire-safe. You remove soot check for errors advise people on safe firing and write down your findings. You often work independently and meet many different people.

• 01You learn to sweep and clean chimneys and wood stoves.
• 02You learn to check flues, ventilation, and fire safety.
• 03You learn to find and assess faults and risks.
• 04You learn to advise people on safe and efficient heating.
• 05You learn to work safely at height and on roofs.

§How do you get started?

You start with a basic course at a vocational school and then find an apprenticeship with a chimney sweep master. You get apprentice wages throughout the education and alternate between school stays and practice so you learn both the fire safety rules and the practical work at customers' homes.

§The way forward

As a trained chimney sweep you can work in a chimney sweep company and over time you can become a chimney sweep master and take responsibility for an area or your own company. The trade also evolves with new energy forms so there are good opportunities to learn new things along the way.

“A clean chimney is a safe chimney — and it is your craftsmanship that ensures it.”