Skip to main content
National Careers Service

beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. Thatcher

Thatcher

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 44 variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

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

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 skills and techniques.

Direct Application

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.

More Information

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.

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
  • 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

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 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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Commercial Roofing Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: WESTERLEIGH RD, WESTERLEIGH, BRISTOL

Roofer Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: TRISPEN, TRURO
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a thatcher?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.