Master chimney sweep transforms the profession into energy all-rounders!

Master chimney sweep transforms the profession into energy all-rounders!

The job of a chimney sweep is changing. And not just because of new technologies, but also because of the trend towards sustainable energy. Thomas Gollner, an experienced master chimney sweep from Vienna, is committed to change. He has been self-employed for 18 years and runs his company at Schegargasse 1 in the 19th district. Gollner took over the company in 2007 and has since established itself as a pioneer in the training of apprentices, especially women. In May 2025, his company won the renowned “AmaZone” award for its special commitment to training girls and young women in technical professions. Gollner and his team are currently training two apprentices, including a female trainee.

“Women should not be disadvantaged or favored at work,” emphasizes Gollner. The chimney sweep profession, traditionally viewed as purely physical, is increasingly developing towards technology. Gollner has received further training in this area, including as an energy consultant and ventilation cleaner. “I see the need for us chimney sweeps to become real all-rounders,” he explains. Ongoing training and regular inspection of chimney fans, especially in the catering industry, are essential for Gollner. In his opinion, the municipality could also assign this task to chimney sweeps.

Insights into training

The experiences of young women in the workplace show the change. One interviewee, who returned to her parents' business as a master chimney sweep, had not originally planned to enter the profession. However, after training as an office clerk and experience in large companies, she decided to train as a chimney sweep. “The decision came from technical progress and the opportunity to combine craftsmanship with technical know-how,” she reports.

In her first field service she received a lot of positive feedback. “Customers responded enthusiastically to the young woman in the rural sweeping area,” she says. The job profile has changed over the last 25 years; New activities such as exhaust gas measurements and leak tests are increasingly being added. As former lucky charms, chimney sweeps are still responsible for the safety and efficiency of heating systems. Gollner and the interviewee agree: In order to secure young talent, the job profile must be known and presented positively in schools.

Environmental protection as a calling

The job of a chimney sweep is now also viewed from the perspective of environmental protection. They are considered environmentalists because they not only ensure the safety of fire systems, but also carry out emission measurements to check pollutant emissions. Gollner emphasizes that this responsibility is becoming increasingly important. In society, the chimney sweep is still viewed as a good luck charm, which further enhances the profession.

Gollner encourages his apprentices to always remain interested and to overcome challenges patiently. He is thinking about a training pool to encourage more companies to train apprentices. “After all, social contact with our customers and the view over Vienna is not only my job, but also my passion,” concludes the master. An exciting job that offers much more than the traditional image of a chimney sweep.