A roofer works with waterproof coverings, insulation materials, slates and tiles to build and repair sloping roofs.
The Work
You could be:
removing the old slates or tiles from a roof and making sure the roof timbers are sound
measuring the area of the roof and calculating how many slates or tiles you need
fitting roofing felt, waterproof coverings and insulation
attaching wooden battens horizontally to the felt
sorting slates according to size
nailing slates or tiles to the battens, in an overlapping pattern, starting with larger slates at the lowest part and working towards the ridge
trimming slates or tiles to get an exact fit
using cement to fix tiles to ridges and to seal joints.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
There is a minimum wage for apprentices in Scotland. As of June 2022, the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) rates for a 4-year apprenticeship based on a 39-hour week are:
Year 1 – £219.87 (£5.64 an hour)
Year 2 – £292.61 (£7.50 an hour)
Year 3 – £367.02 (£9.41 an hour)
Year 4 – £367.02 (£9.41 an hour) (without SVQ Level 2)
Year 4 – £388.21 (£9.95 an hour) (with SVQ Level 2).
Please note these rates may vary if the Apprentice is 21 years old or over and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship. National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) will apply.
With experience and skills this can rise to between £10 and £20 an hour. You can earn extra through overtime and shift allowances.
Conditions
You work outdoors in all weathers.
You climb on ladders and scaffolding and work at heights.
The working day begins early and varies according to hours of daylight with occasional lay-offs in winter.
You would work around 40 hours a week, often doing overtime in the evenings and at weekends.
You might have to travel a lot and spend some time away from home.
You might wear a harness to attach you to the roof. You wear a hard hat and other protective gear.
The normal entry route is through a Modern Apprenticeship registered with an employer.
You do not always need formal qualifications, but some employers ask for subjects at National 4 or 5 including English, Maths and a science or technological subject.
You could study the Foundation Apprenticeship in Construction (SCQF Level 4 or 5) in S3-S6, which can help to get into a relevant Modern Apprenticeship.
You usually have to sit an aptitude test as part of the application process.
A driving licence is useful and sometimes necessary.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on a site. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.
Look for jobs with building contractors or roofing contractors.
What Does it Take?
You need:
a good head for heights and a good sense of balance
an awareness of health and safety issues
good practical skills, accuracy and an eye for detail
a methodical approach
the ability to read building plans and follow instructions
good numeracy skills to work out numbers of slates or tiles needed
to be able to work alone or as part of a team.
Training
Training during an apprenticeship is mainly on the job with off the job training at college.
You would work towards SVQ in Roofing Occupations (Construction) at SCQF Level 6 and a PDA in Roofing at SCQF Level 6.
Getting On
After gaining experience, you can move on to a supervisory job.
You might move into management.
You might specialise in working on historic buildings and churches.
You might become self-employed.
You may be able to work abroad.
More Information
For more information please see the organisations listed below:
