Thatcher

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly
• doing specialist courses run by training organisations

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Roofer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This will usually take a year and a half to complete and could help you to get a trainee job with a thatching company. You would then do further training in thatching methods with your employer.

The National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT) also offers an apprenticeship and mentoring scheme .

Entry requirements:

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

Work

You could start by looking for work as a trainee thatcher or thatcher's labourer. Once you're working, your employer would train you in thatching techniques to eventually qualify as a thatcher.

DirectApplication

You may be able to apply directly to thatching companies if you've got experience in related work like roofing or reed cutting .

Your enthusiasm and practical skills will be as important as qualifications.

OtherRoutes

You may be able to do specialist training courses if you're interested in heritage and conservation skills like thatching. The King's Foundation also runs courses in building crafts, including thatching.

These courses may help you to get a job as a trainee thatcher.

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
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• leadership skills
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of maths
• 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 work well with your hands
• physical fitness and endurance
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues

What you'll do:

Thatchers use traditional craft skills, materials and tools to replace and repair thatched roofs.

As a thatcher, you'll:

• put up scaffolding or secure ladders to buildings
• strip off old roofs
• check roof timbers for damage or rot
• repair, treat or replace timbers
• prepare materials, like straw, wheat reed or water reed into bundles ready for use
• secure bundles of thatch to roof timbers using tarred cord or metal hooks
• grow and harvest your own thatching materials

Possible green job

As a thatcher, you'll use environmentally friendly, sustainable materials to insulate the roofs of properties.

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, physically demanding and dusty.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

Career Path:

With experience, you could set up your own business and take on other thatchers, or train new entrants to the industry.