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Roofer

Alternative titles for this job include Slater, flat roofer, roofing operative

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

Average salary (a year)

£21,000 Starter

to

£36,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Roofer

You can get into this job through:

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

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

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

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

More Information

Registration

Career tips

You can do specialist training courses if you're interested in heritage and conservation skills in roof slating and tiling.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institute of Roofing for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You'll find more details about careers in roofing from Go Construct.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

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

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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, set up your own business or specialise in heritage conservation work.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Flat Roofing Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: STANLEY

Roofing Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,500 a year Annually
  • Location: Lichfield
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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