Pictured above: Will Wylie captured in action (left) and at the National Construction College (NCC) (right). 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. 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. I completed my training at the CITB College and began working in the trade like a duck to water. I worked all 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 hands-on with steeplejacking. 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 the opportunity with Churchill, and they all encouraged me to give it a go and said I would be the right candidate for the job, as during my time as a supervisor and as a manager, I had trained several apprentices. What’s the most rewarding moment in your training career at this stage? The most rewarding part of my training career at present was working with my first group of apprentices, seeing them develop and gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to start their careers in the trade. This group enabled me to grow as a lecturer, alongside them, growing in their training journey. And what do you think will be the biggest challenge? My biggest challenge is adapting to the career change and [...]

The INNSiDE by Meliá Manchester was buzzing with anticipation on Thursday, 26 June 2025, as the Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists (ATLAS) gathered for the 2025 ATLAS Apprentice Awards. This special evening celebrated the outstanding achievements of apprentices in the steeplejack and lightning protection industries, marking the exciting beginning of their professional journeys. Over 70 guests attended this occasion, including apprentices, their partners, supportive employers, and industry colleagues who enjoyed an evening filled with camaraderie and entertainment. Hosting the event was well-known comedian and actor Justin Moorhouse, known from Phoenix Nights, QI, and Live At The Apollo. Justin brought laughter and energy to the room, setting the stage for a memorable night. After a lively welcome, attendees enjoyed a dinner accompanied by an engaging comedy show. Following this, the much-anticipated awards ceremony commenced. ATLAS President John Jolly opened the evening with an inspiring speech, highlighting the importance of apprenticeships and applauding the dedication and hard work of all apprentices. The awards ceremony Certificates of completion were presented to enthusiastic cheers from the audience. This year’s graduating apprentices included: Steeplejack Apprentices: Kieron Dalgleish (Pendrich Height Services) Jabe Haggarty (Northern Steeplejacks, Edinburgh) Junaid Hussan (Northern Steeplejacks, Edinburgh) Aaron Jones (Igoe Up) Kenzie McLaren (Igoe Up) Thomas Muldownie (Northern Steeplejacks, Edinburgh) James Smith (Northern Steeplejacks, Edinburgh) Lightning Conductor Engineer Apprentices: Alex Adcock (Churchill Specialist Contracting) Cameron Aldrich (Omega Red Group) Jake Byrom (PTSG Electrical Services) Thomas Halstead-Hughes (PTSG Electrical Services) Peter Janes (R C Cutting & Co) Alfie Jacques (Rafferty Lightning Protection) Levi Knight (Churchill Specialist Contracting) Tyler Langan (Lightning Protection UK) Mark Mackenzie (Omega Red Group) William McManus (Rafferty Lightning Protection) Tylor Montano (Faraday Chapman Lightning Protection Consultants) Callum Rawlings Mason Tutin (Omega Red Group) Caden White (Omega Red Group) Samuel Williams (Omega Red Group) The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two prestigious awards, which are given to the best steeplejack and best lightning conductor engineer apprentice each year. The Ted Fuller Award for Best Steeplejack Apprentice Three apprentices were shortlisted for the Ted Fuller Award, named in honour of a steeplejack legend. Junaid Hussan, Aaron Jones and Thomas Muldownie were all recognised as having shown dedication to the course by going above and beyond standard requirements. Bill Butcher and Will Wylie, CITB instructors, were invited on stage to explain the selection criteria before Bill announced the name of the winning apprentice. Ted Fuller Award Recipient: Junaid Hussan (Northern Steeplejacks, Edinburgh) The A. W. Elliott Award for Best Lightning Conductor Engineer Apprentice Three apprentices were shortlisted for the A. W. Elliott Award, named after a truly remarkable figure in the lightning conductor engineering field. Jake Byrom, Thomas Halstead-Hughes and Tyler Langan were all recognised for their dedication and exceptional performance. Howard Wright, CITB instructor, was invited on stage to explain why the winner had been selected before John Jolly, from premium event sponsor R C Cutting & Co, announced the name of the winning apprentice. Elliott Award Recipient: Jake Byrom (PTSG Electrical Services) Congratulations to Junaid Hussan and Jake Byrom for their exceptional performance and dedication! An end to a great night In closing, Justin Moorhouse expressed […]

International lightning protection standard BS EN IEC 62305 updated The four-part international standard for lightning protection, BS EN IEC 62305, has been updated to reflect the latest expert knowledge and best practices. Together, these documents form the essential guide for anyone involved in safeguarding structures, their occupants and systems from the damaging effects of lightning. The revision process spanned over a decade and involved industry representatives from across the globe, with ATLAS members playing a key role at every stage. Advancing safety Among notable improvements are a simplified risk assessment process and a move away from flash density to strike point density. The new standard also includes numerous technical and editorial adjustments to incorporate state-of-the-art knowledge and understanding. Matt Waldram of Omega Red Group, chair of the ATLAS lightning protection committee, emphasised the significance of the update: “ATLAS welcomes the revised lightning protection standards, developed in close collaboration with our international colleagues. We are committed to advancing technical excellence, and contributing to standards is part of how we help our industry keep pace with new developments. It’s essential to adapt our working practices to incorporate new learning, and standards offer a reliable framework to do that. I encourage all industry professionals to take note of this update.” Newly published standard This week, BSI published the updated UK lightning protection standards: BS EN IEC 62305-1:2024 – General principles BS EN IEC 62305-2:2024 – Risk management BS EN IEC 62305-3:2024 – Physical damage to structures and life hazard BS EN IEC 62305-4:2024 – Electrical and electronic systems within structures ATLAS members have free access to the updated standards via BSI’s BSOL Standards Online tool. All previous versions of these standards will be withdrawn on 31 October 2027. We are now in a transition period, during which industry professionals will adopt the new standards. Standards are not applied retrospectively, so existing lightning protection systems do not require any immediate changes. Stay compliant with ATLAS Lightning strikes can cause severe damage and put lives in danger. The protection measures outlined in BS EN IEC 62305 are proven to reduce the risks. ATLAS members have the expertise to deliver comprehensive design, installation and maintenance services. For expert advice on lightning protection, contact an ATLAS contractor member.

The Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond was abuzz with excitement on 28 September as the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group (SLPTG) prepared to host the 2023 SLPTG Apprentice Awards. The event was being held to celebrate 17 steeplejack and lightning conductor engineer apprentices who had recently completed their course and were about to embark on promising careers in the industry. The room was filled with over 50 guests, including the proud apprentices, their loved ones, supportive employers and industry enthusiasts. They were promised an unforgettable evening of magic, mind-reading and comedy thanks to our host, Paul Martin. After having fun at the drinks reception, taking part in a magic show and enjoying a three-course meal, it was time for the awards ceremony to begin.   The awards ceremony This portion of the event began with an inspiring speech by Roy Westwick, SLPTG Chairman, who set the tone for the awards by highlighting the importance of apprenticeships in the industry and commending the dedication of the apprentices. Then, each apprentice was called onto the stage to receive their completion certificate, to loud cheers and applause. This year’s graduating apprentices were: Steeplejacks Kadin Boak (Northern Steeplejacks) Ewan Dowsland (Zenith SAS) Jonathan Fogarty (Fogarty High Level Maintenance) Taylan Gunbat Antony McDonald (Proteq) Samuel Mitchell (Northern Steeplejacks) Hamish Murphy (Northern Steeplejacks) Ryan Nelson Kenneth Scollon Liam Walker (Delta Steeplejacks) Lightning Conductor Engineers Jack Campbell (Lightning Protection UK, formerly of Churchill Specialist Contracting) Brandon Jacques (Rafferty Lightning Protection) Macaulay King (Omega Red Group) Mason Leonardi (Central High Rise) Joe McCracken (Omega Red Group) Haydn Newbold (Lightning Protection UK) Luis Wilson (PTSG) The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two prestigious awards, which are given to the best steeplejack and best lightning conductor engineer apprentice each year.   The Ted Fuller Award for Best Steeplejack Apprentice Three apprentices were shortlisted for the Ted Fuller Award, named in honour of a steeplejack legend. Jonathan Fogarty, Hamish Murphy and Liam Walker were all recognised as having shown dedication to the course by going above and beyond the standard requirements. Bill Butcher, CITB instructor, was invited on stage to explain why the winner had been selected before Paul Sturges, representing ATLAS, announced the name of the winning apprentice. Ted Fuller Award Recipient: Jonathan Fogarty (Fogarty High Level Maintenance)   The A. W. Elliott Award for Best Lightning Conductor Engineer Apprentice Three apprentices were shortlisted for the A. W. Elliott Award, named after a truly remarkable figure in the lightning conductor engineering field. Jack Campbell, Mason Leonardi and Haydn Newbold were all recognised as having shown dedication to the course by going above and beyond the standard requirements. Howard Wright, CITB instructor, was invited on stage to explain why the winner had been selected before Roy Westwick, from event sponsor Omega Red Group, announced the name of the winning apprentice. W. Elliott Award Recipient: Jack Campbell (Lightning Protection UK, formerly of Churchill Specialist Contracting) Big congratulations to Jonathan and Jack!   A toast to a great night Paul Sturges rounded up the evening by offering his best wishes to the apprentices and toasting to the future of the […]