Thatcher
Thatchers use traditional craft skills, materials and tools to repair and replace thatched roofs.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a thatcher, you could:
- put up scaffolding or secure ladders to buildings
- identify thatched areas for repair or replacement
- strip off old roofs
- check roof timbers for damage or rot
- prepare bundles of straw, wheat reed or water reed ready for use
- secure bundles of thatch to roof timbers
- remove moss and lichen growth from roofs
- grow and harvest your own thatching materials
We've identified this as a potential green job
As a thatcher, you'll use environmentally friendly, sustainable materials to insulate the roofs of properties.
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work at a client's home.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, physically demanding and dusty.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could set up your own business and take on other thatchers, or train new entrants to the industry.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- excellent verbal communication skills
- physical fitness and endurance
- 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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
You could apply to do a Thatcher Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a thatching or roofing company.
This can take around 2 years to complete.
The National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT) also offers an apprenticeship and mentoring scheme.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
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 skills and techniques.
You could 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.
Career tips
You may need to relocate to an area where thatching skills are in demand.
Professional and industry bodies
You could find it useful to join organisations like the National Society of Master Thatchers to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can learn more about a career in thatching from the National Society of Master Thatchers.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.