A roof sheeter or cladder fixes large weatherproof sheets of different material to roofs (sheeting) or walls (cladding).
The Work
You could be:
using sheets of various materials – plastic, glass-reinforced plastic, fibre-cement, galvanised iron or aluminium – which might be corrugated, profiled or coated in coloured plastic
measuring the area for new cladding and calculating the number of sheets you need
laying out sheets, measuring and marking them, shaping them and cutting them to size
together with other team members, hoisting sheets up by hand, or by using a crane, and positioning them on the roof or wall
drilling holes and using bolts to fix the sheets to the frame of the building
sealing the joints between the sheets, to make sure the building is watertight
inserting insulating material and fitting roof lights.
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.
As of June 2023 the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) recommends the following rates for a 2-year apprenticeship based on a 39-hour week are:
Year 1 – £237.46 (£6.09 an hour)
Year 2 – £316.02 (£8.10 an hour).
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 this can rise to £600 to £900 a week. You can earn extra through overtime and bonus payments.
Conditions
You work outdoors in all weathers.
You climb on ladders and scaffolding, lift heavy weights 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 working overtime in the evenings and at weekends to meet deadlines.
You might have to travel a lot and spend time away from home.
You wear a hard hat, ear protectors 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 some 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 may be 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, roofing contractors or specialist cladding sub-contractors.
2024
