Roofing operative

How to become a roofing operative

To become a roofing operative, it’s important to gain occupationally relevant qualifications and experience. This can be achieved through completing a college course, an apprenticeship, or on the job training. 

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain requirements, employers are also interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site. Once fully qualified, you are encouraged to apply for the blue skilled worker CSCS card.

To kickstart a career in roofing, the NFRC Roofing Careers Service is a great place to begin. The free to use service provides information, advice and guidance on the various roofing specialisms, the types of work roofers carry out, how to find a roofing job and much more.

College/training provider

You could complete a course at your local college such as a Level 2 Diploma in Roofing Occupations or in Roof Slating and Tiling. This would provide you with useful skills and help you gain work as a roofing operative trainee.

You’ll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could become a roofing operative by completing an intermediate apprenticeship in roofing. 

You’ll need GCSEs in maths and English at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent to become an intermediate apprentice. If you don’t have these, you can still start your apprenticeship and complete numeracy and literacy functional skills during the apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Guide to apprenticeships 

Work experience

Work experience is a big benefit to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a roofing operative.

Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience 

Work

You could find work as a roofing labourer and undertake on-the-job training to help you become a roofing operative. 

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a roofing operative include: 

• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to work well with others
• Be flexible and open to change
• Keen and willing to learn
• A good level of fitness and ability to work at height
• Knowledge of building and construction
• Excellent customer service skills.

What does a roofing operative do?

As a roofing operative, you may specialise within a certain area, such as sheeting and cladding, or tiling. You could specialise in heritage projects, or work as a hard metal and cladding roofer.

Working as a roofer can involve anything from repairing a single tile or slate on a domestic property, to re-roofing entire public buildings such as schools, working on large-scale housing projects, or installing the roof on large commercial buildings.

Depending on your area of specialism, as a roofing operative you could be: 

• Estimating the type and amount of materials needed for the job
• Using technical drawings and specifications
• Fitting materials to ensure the roof is fully weatherproof
• Working to building regulations
• Working safely at heights
• Installing skylights
• Working on historic or culturally significant buildings
• Creating decorative lead or metal items in keeping with the structure.

How much could you earn as a roofing operative?

The expected salary for a roofing operative varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained roofing operatives can earn £17,000+
• Trained roofing operatives with some experience can earn £17,000 - £35,000
• Senior roofing operatives or master roofers can earn £35,000 - £65,000*
• Self-employed roofing operatives set their own rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest roofing operative vacancies: 

• Indeed

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a roofing surveyor or consultant, estimating costs, dealing with contracts and working with architects.  

You could also become a site manager or move into technical sales. Other options include training others, setting up your own business or working as a self-employed roofing consultant.