Roofing Apprenticeship

Roofing Apprenticeship

Roofing contractors build new roofs and repair or re-roof existing buildings. This may involve the installation of skylights as well as the usage of various materials such as slates, tiles, or flat roof materials.

Responsibilities

Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:

  • remove or repair broken tiles or slates – stripping
  • check the condition of roof timbers
  • measure the roof area to work out how much material is needed
  • fit insulation
  • cut and fit roofing felt
  • cover roofs with slates, tiles, sheets or cladding
  • apply waterproof membranes to flat roofs
  • fit plastic or lead ‘flashings’ around chimneys, windows and walls
  • seal roof joints with mortar.

Salary

  • Apprentice roofing operatives can earn £17,000+
  • Trained roofing operatives with some experience can earn £17,000 – £25,000
  • Senior roofing operatives or master roofers can earn £25,000 – £35,000
  • Self-employed roofing operatives set their own rates.

Working hours

You will typically work 42 to 44 hours per week, sometimes working weekends and away from home.

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.

Qualifications

Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice roofer include:

  • Level 2 Roofer – Entry requirements for this level include some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship. This qualification takes 24 months to complete.

Skills

On a roofer apprenticeship, you’ll learn:

  • 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.

Career path and progression

You could become a roofing surveyor. As a roofing surveyor, you can estimate pricing, negotiate contracts, and collaborate with architects. You might also work as a site manager, equipment salesperson, or steeplejack.

If you have a lot of knowledge, you may instruct apprentices, create your own business, or specialise in historical restoration work.

Updated on November 22, 2022

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