Roofer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

You can take a college course which will teach you some of the skills you'll need to get a trainee position with a roofing company.

You could do a course in roof slating and tiling or roof sheeting and cladding.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a Roofer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You could work as a roofing labourer or 'mate' and do further training while you work to get a roofing qualification.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of maths
• physical fitness and endurance
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• leadership skills
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues

What you'll do:

Roofers re-slate and tile roofs, fit skylight windows and replace lead sheeting and cladding.

As a roofer, you could:

• remove or repair broken tiles or slates
• check the condition of roof timbers and seal roof joints
• measure the roof area to work out how much material is needed
• fit insulation
• cover roofs with slates, tiles, sheets or cladding
• apply waterproof membranes to flat roofs
• fit plastic or lead 'flashings' around chimneys, windows and walls

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a roofer to be a green job, you could:

• install solar panels on buildings
• fit roof insulation to make a property more energy efficient
• use environmentally friendly and recyclable materials

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work on a construction site, at a client's business or at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be at height, dirty and outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £36,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings away from home

Career Path:

You could become a roofing surveyor, estimating costs, dealing with contracts and working with architects. You could also be a site manager, move into equipment sales or work as a steeplejack .

With a lot of experience, you could train apprentices, set up your own business or specialise in heritage conservation work .