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 not being on the tools. I love steeplejacking, and it has become a part of who I am.
Your predecessor left some big boots to fill. Would you like to say anything?
Bill is a legend within the steeplejack industry and has produced some excellent steeplejacks during his time. So, no pressure there for me! Everybody in the industry speaks very highly of him. I would never fill Bill’s boots, but I will give the next generation all the knowledge to enjoy and continue the trade for years to come.
And finally, how do you like to spend your spare time?
Outside of work, I enjoy doing anything outdoors. I go fishing when I can, I enjoy air rifle practice, and I have recently taken up golf with fellow colleagues from the college. I travel as much as I can with my family. And as well as training the next generation, I also welcomed my first grandchild, born in September. And as she grows older, I will enjoy teaching her some of the skills her granddad has gained.
With Will’s wealth of experience, commitment to high standards, and deep enthusiasm for the trade, he brings invaluable insight to his new role. His dedication ensures that the future of steeplejacking remains in safe, capable hands.
