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Roofer

  • Hours

    40 per week

  • Starting salary

    £13,000 + per year

If you have a head for heights and are able to understand building plans, this job could suit you.

As a roofer, your work could range from re-slating the roof on a house, to restoring the lead sheets on an old building.

In this job you will need good number skills to work out quantities of goods and prices. You will also need to work flexibly as part of a team.

It is common to start out as a roofing labourer and then get training on the job. Alternatively, you could do a course in roof slating and tiling first, which would teach you some of the skills you would need. You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship.



The work

You would mainly work on either flat or pitched (sloped) roofs using the following methods:

  • sloped roof - slating and tiling, using traditional or synthetic slates or roof tiles
  • flat roof – fitting felt sheets or spreading a waterproof bitumen layer (known as built-up felt roofing).

Typical duties include:

  • removing or repairing broken tiles or slates
  • checking that the roof timbers are sound
  • measuring and cutting materials to the correct size and shape
  • fitting roof materials - laying rows of tiles and slates or layers of felt
  • finishing off joints with mortar or synthetic cement to make them watertight.

You might also be trained in more specialist roofing techniques such as leadwork, which involves covering a roof using lead rolls (often seen on churches) and thatching, where you would use natural materials to cover a roof. See the profile for thatcher for more details about this role.

You would usually work on jobs with other craftspeople, such as joiners and plumbers.


Hours

Your typical working week would be around 40 hours, but may be longer during the summer months. Overtime may be available.

You would work at heights, using ladders and scaffolding and safety equipment like a hard hat and knee-pads. The job is physically demanding and dirty, and you would be exposed to all weather conditions.

You would travel from site to site, and some jobs may require overnight stays away from home.


Income

A roofing labourer or trainee can earn from £13,000 to £15,000 a year. Once qualified this can rise to between £16,000 and £24,000. Experienced roofers can earn up to £31,000 a year. Overtime and shift allowances will increase wages, while self-employed roofers set their own rates.

Figures are intended as guideline only.


Entry requirements

Finding work as an entry-level roofing labourer is a common way into this career, as it will give you the on-site experience employers often ask for. Once you are working, your employer may be willing to give you further training in roofing techniques.

You may be able to get into this career by completing an Apprenticeship with a building or roofing company. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more, visit the Apprenticeships website.

To get on to an Apprenticeship, you may need GCSEs (grades A-C) in subjects like maths, English and design and technology. Equivalent qualifications like the BTEC Certificate or Diploma in Construction may also be accepted.

Alternatively, you could take a college course, such as the ConstructionSkills Awards Level 2 Diploma in Roof Slating and Tiling, which would teach you some of the skills needed. However, employers may still ask for some site experience. Check with local colleges for course availability and entry requirements.

See the ConstructionSkills website for more information on construction careers and qualifications.

The Know Your Place campaign aims to promote the construction trades as a career choice for women. Visit the website for more details.


Training and development

You could work towards one of several NVQ Diplomas, approved by Construction Skills and City & Guilds, including:

  • Roofing Occupations levels 2 and 3 (options in tiling, slating, metallic roofing and thatching)
  • Mastic Asphalt levels 2 and 3
  • Cladding Occupations levels 2 and 3
  • Applied Waterproof Membranes Level 2
  • Maintenance Operations Level 2.

You could apply for membership of the Institute of Roofing (IOR) at a grade that matches your level of experience. The IOR membership scheme offers a programme of continuing professional development (CPD), which could improve your career prospects. To find out more, visit the IOR website.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)

Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:

  • pass a health and safety assessment
  • have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.

If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS for further details. You can also find out more on the ConstructionSkills website:

Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme

The Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme aims to address skills shortages within the traditional crafts and built heritage sector by offering bursaries and organising work-based training placements for eligible applicants.

To find out more about the scheme, eligibility and which placements are available, visit the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme website.


Skills and knowledge

To be a roofer you should have:

  • the ability to understand building plans
  • good maths skills to work out areas, quantities and prices
  • a head for heights
  • the ability to work as part of a team
  • a willingness to work flexibly
  • an awareness of health and safety
  • a good level of fitness.

More information

National Heritage Training Group (Opens new window)
www.nhtg.org.uk

Institute of Roofing (Opens new window)
Tel: 020 7448 3858
www.instituteofroofing.org

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) (Opens new window)
Tel: 0844 576 8777
www.cscs.uk.com

Construction Skills CITB (Opens new window)
Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 0344 994 4400
www.cskills.org


Opportunities

Typical employers include roofing companies, building contractors, roofing materials suppliers, local authorities and other public organisations.

With experience, you could become a site manager, technical salesperson or roofing technician, dealing with project planning and costing jobs. You could also set up your own roofing business.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (Opens in a new window) there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.


Related industry information

Industry summary

The construction sector is represented by ConstructionSkills Sector Skills Council. Construction is the creation of the built environment covering all stages of the construction process, from creating the initial ideas and designs to actually building the structure and ensuring that everything continues to work after it is completed. The sector covers the following areas: building infrastructure (such as roads and rail); the building of public and private housing; the construction of public non‐housing (such as schools); industrial building; the construction of commercial premises (such as offices and retail units); together with the repair and maintenance of these constructions.

ConstructionSkills represents every part of the UK construction industry, from architects to bricklayers. The sector employs 2.35 million people, representing over 8% of the UK workforce.

The craft industry covers a whole range of different trades including:

  • Wood occupations – Site Joiner, Shop fitter, Wood Machinist
  • Exterior occupations – Bricklayer, General Construction Operative
  • Interior occupations – Painter and Decorator, Ceiling Fixer
  • Specialist occupations – Thatcher, Roofer, Scaffolder
  • Plant occupations – Plant Mechanic, Plant Operator

Careers in construction craft roles suit people who are practical and are willing to work in a team. Craftspeople can also move into professional and technician roles.

Key facts for the construction sector as a whole:

  • 92% of organisations in the construction sector employ less than 10 people.
  • 55% of the workforce is employed in manual occupations.
  • 37% of the workforce is self‐employed.
  • Much of the workforce is mobile.
  • More than 35% of people in the sector are their own boss running their own companies.

Jobs in the industry range from: bench joiner, wood machinist, built up felt roofer, mastic asphalter, bricklayer, stonemason, dry liner, glazier, renderer, plant operator, demolition


National and regional data

Fewer employers in the East Midlands and West Midlands who had tried to recruit skilled staff had encountered difficulties (9% and 16% respectively); compared with London and Scotland, where two in five employers had experienced recruitment difficulties (40% and 39% respectively).

East Midlands – The highest requirements are for labourers (1,210) and wood trade and interior fit out (800). There are little or no requirements for: plasterers and dry liners; roofers; plant mechanics/fitters; steel erectors/structural; plus electrical trades and installation.

East of England – The highest requirements are for painters and decorators (1,000) and plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning trades (870). There are little or no requirements for: wood trade and interior fit out; building envelope specialists; plasterers and dry liners; plant mechanics/fitters; plus electrical trades and installation.

London – The highest requirements are for labourers (640) and plant operatives (510). There are little or no requirements for: wood trade and interior fit out; bricklayers; painters and decorators; roofers; floorers; plant mechanics/fitters; plus plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning trades.

North East – The highest requirements are for labourers (550) and bricklayers (510). There are little or no requirements for: roofers; steel erectors/structural; plus plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning trades.

North West – The highest requirements are for painters and decorators (620) and floorers (410). There are little or no requirements for: scaffolders; and steel erectors/structural.

South East – The highest requirements are for painters and decorators (340), labourers (290) and civil engineering operatives (290). There are little or no requirements for: bricklayers; building envelope specialists; plasterers and dry liners; roofers; floorers; plant mechanics/fitters; electrical trades and installation; plus plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning trades.

South West – The highest requirements are for labourers (1,260) and wood trade and interior fit out (350). There are little or no requirements for: building envelope specialists; painters and decorators; floorers; glaziers; specialist building operatives; plant mechanics/fitters; plus plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning trades.

West Midlands – The highest requirements are for labourers (710) and wood trade and interior fit out (640). There are little or no requirements for: bricklayers; plasterers and dry liners; roofers; floorers; glaziers; specialist building operatives; scaffolders; plant mechanics/fitters; plus plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning trades.

Yorkshire and the Humber – The highest requirements are for labourers (540) and floorers (340). There are little or no requirements for: building envelope specialists; plasterers and dry liners; glaziers; specialist building operatives; electrical trades and installation; plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning trades; plus civil engineering operatives.

Northern Ireland – The highest requirements are for wood trade and interior fit out (200) and labourers (180). There are little or no requirements for: building envelope specialists; painters and decorators; plasterers and dry liners; roofers; floorers; glaziers; steel erectors/structural; electrical trades and installation; plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning trades.

Scotland – The highest requirements are for plant operatives (1,030) and wood trade and interior fit out (760). There are little or no requirements for: bricklayers; roofers; floorers; electrical trades and installation; plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning trades.

Wales – The highest requirements are for wood trade and interior fit out (1,170) and labourers (730). There are little or no requirements for: plasterers and dry liners; steel erectors/structural; plus electrical trades and installation.

[N.B. Data derived from Constructionskills Labour Market Intelligence 2010‐2014.]


Career paths


Further sources


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