Roofer
Build and mend roofs to keep people warm, safe and dry in their homes and businesses.
Also known as: roofing labourer
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£404
Entry level
£692
Experienced
Monthly
£1,750
Entry level
£3,000
Experienced
Yearly
£21,000
Entry level
£36,000
Experienced
3,700
people are currently employed
High growth
200 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would build and mend roofs to keep people warm, safe and dry in their homes and businesses.
You would work with both flat and sloped roofs. Your methods would depend on the type of roof, but typically you would:
Remove or mend broken tiles or slates
Check that roof timbers are sound
Measure and cut materials to the right size and shape
Lay strips of felt onto timbers, then fit rows of tiles or slates
Fit lead around chimney stacks and adjoining walls
Seal roof joints with mortar to make them watertight
Work with other craftspeople, such as joiners and plumbers
You might also be trained in more specialist methods. You could learn to carry out leadwork, which involves covering a roof using lead rolls (often seen on churches). You could also learn to make thatched roofs out of natural materials.
This work can be dangerous, so you would need to follow health and safety rules very carefully at all times.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- reliable
- time management
- taking initiative
- risk taking
- managing resources
- problem solving
- resourceful
- cooperating
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
You could complete a Modern Apprenticeship in Construction or Construction Specialist (SCQF Level 5).
There are no formal qualifications required to enter either apprenticeship, but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
Qualifications and experience that show practical skills such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).
You may have to pass an aptitude test before entry.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent, pass a health and safety test and have a Scottish Vocational Qualification certificate to train or work on construction sites.
A driving licence is required for some jobs.
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