Careers FAQs

That’s great to hear — roofing is a skilled, in-demand career with lots of opportunities to learn and progress. 

How to get started (and where NFRC can help) 

1. Explore what a roofing career involves 

Visit the NFRC Starting a Roofing Career section to: 

• Understand the different types of roofing roles 
• See real apprentice stories 
• Learn what day-to-day work looks like  

2. Find an apprenticeship or entry route 

Use NFRC Careers support to: 

• Search for apprenticeships and training providers 
• Get advice on applying and preparing – scroll down to the "Finding a job in the roofing sector" section. 

You can also: 

Apply via GOV.UK apprenticeship service 

3. Get ready to apply 

NFRC resources can help you: 

• Understand what employers are looking for 
• Build your CV and confidence - We have a CV template that you can download and make your own. 

Typical requirements include: 

• A positive attitude and willingness to learn 
• Physically able to work on-site and at height 

Top tip: Roofing employers are looking for people who are reliable, motivated and ready to learn, you don’t need experience to get started.

• An appropriate email address – set up a free account that you only use for job searching. Remember to use something professional so it creates the right image to employers. Using a separate email account for your job search makes sure you’ll always be able to see when you get new job alerts, updates on your job applications and most importantly, invitations to interviews!
• A job applications tracker – this is a simple tracker that helps you to keep track of what jobs you have applied for, when the closing date for applications is and how the employer is. You can use this tracker to log other information too, like research you’ve done about the company, the contact name (when available) of the recruitment contact at the employer (sometimes called the hiring manager) and contact details for the employer so you can get in touch with them to ask how your application is progressing.
• A CV – this is the most important part, without a CV you may not be able to submit job applications. We have a CV template that you can download and make your own.

Yes there are! If you have already completed your profile on Talent View construction, this means that you are in the best place for finding out about and applying for vacancies that interest you.

There is also something called the ‘hidden' job market. This is where an employer has a vacancy coming up but they haven’t advertised it yet or they have been thinking about recruiting but haven’t made up their minds yet.

The hidden job market gives you the opportunity to get a job that no-one else might know about.

Ways to get a job through the Hidden Job Market

• Put in Speculative applications

This is where you contact an employer who you want to work for, using a cover letter and CV. A speculative application can be used when asking an employer to consider you for a job that you are looking for. Use this template as a starting point for a speculative cover letter. This can be emailed, posted or dropped off in person. You can find employers who are NFRC members here.

• Use Social Media

Many companies are active on social media platforms. Try searching for their sites to learn more about them – this includes connecting or following them. Before you do this, make sure your social media profiles represent how you want to come across to potential employers. Once you have followed company accounts on social media, look out for job postings that may be advertised there or interesting information that you can use in your speculative applications.

• Look around you

Now that you are aware of the many different career opportunities the roofing sector has to offer, start looking around locally for roofing contractors who are working on-site / in business premises or even on your local school or college. If you are ready to, politely ask to speak to the manager on-site or in the office and ask them how to apply for a job in their company. Generally, people want to help and will give you valuable advice and information. You just have to be brave enough to ask!

• Subscribe to job feeds / company alerts on company websites

Subscribing to job feeds means you find out about jobs first. Company alerts will keep you in the know when big changes happen with companies. While these alerts won’t necessarily be about jobs, you can learn more about a company and find the jobs from there.

Also, consider subscribing to industry news alerts to stay aware of changes in the wider roofing sector. And consider newsletters, too, as another great source of insider information.

Great, roofing offers clear progression routes, and NFRC has support to help you take your next step. 

How to progress (with NFRC support) 

1. Explore your progression options 

Through NFRC Careers, you can: 

• Learn about different roofing specialisms 
• Explore roles beyond site work (e.g. supervision, management, technical roles) 
• Access case studies showing real career journeys and guidance on CPD (Continual Professional Development). 

Start here. 

2. Access training and qualifications 

NFRC can support you to: 

• Identify training providers in your area 

3. Connect with opportunities 

Use NFRC networks to: 

• Link with employers 
• Explore new roles or responsibilities 
• Identify development opportunities within your current job 

Why progression matters 

By developing your skills, you can: 

• Increase your earning potential 
• Move into specialist or leadership roles 
• Build a long-term career in a growing industry  

Top tip: Speak to both your employer and NFRC about your goals. Combining workplace experience with the right qualifications is the fastest way to progress.