Roofer
Roofers re-slate and tile roofs, fit skylight windows and replace lead sheeting and cladding.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
We've identified this as a potential green job
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
Working environment
You could work on a construction site, at a client's business or at a client's home.
Your working environment may be at height, dirty and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
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 or set up your own business.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- be able to cope with working at height
- have a good level of fitness
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
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
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
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
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
You could work as a roofing labourer or 'mate' and do further training while you work to get a roofing qualification.
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Institute of Roofing for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a roofer from Go Construct and House Building Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.