Routes into roofing
There is no one ‘right’ way to get into roofing, there are a number of different routes, so you can identify the one that fits you best. See below for some of the key ways you can begin in the sector.
Apprenticeships
Apprentices do a job with an employer, in addition to recognised training. By the end of your apprenticeship, you have a qualification and have gained valuable work experience and skills with your employer. Apprenticeships are available to all and are advertised through TalentView Construction and https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. There’s a different way to apply if you live in Scotland, apply if you live in Wales, or apply if you live in Northern Ireland.
If you already have a supportive employer, they may support you through an apprenticeship.
Construction career changer
The Construction Talent Retention Scheme helps individuals looking for a career in construction. It’s completely free to use. You can search and apply for opportunities. There are many different roles, suitable for all skills—including lots of digital, site and office-based roles as well as trades and specialist professions. If you have relevant transferable skills already, this is the place to search for your new role.
Having a good CV and profile ready will give you the best chance of being noticed by employers who are recruiting.
Vocational Qualifications (VQs)
Vocational Qualifications (VQs) are the traditional route into the roofing sector. These are usually fully or partially paid for by employers, but you can self-fund your training. There may also be funding available to help with the cost: we recommend contacting your local roof training group for local funding opportunities.
Vocationally recognised qualifications can be a quicker route than apprenticeships (as they take less time to complete), however they do not tend to attract as much funding.
Specialist Applied Skills Programmes (SAPs)
SAPs are delivered through a series of short duration modulated training courses, typically over a 25-day period, followed by vocational achievement (N/SVQ). These are offered by various training providers. More information about Specialist Applied Skills Programmes (SAPs) is available from CITB.
Informal upskilling
Upskilling or retraining can take place by more informal routes, such as work-shadowing, or skills and knowledge transfer (where an employee is placed with a highly experienced team member to share their expertise).
As this is an informal approach, usually it is not funded by external bodies. Informal learning is a great way of discovering the right career for you, however formal qualifications are just as important for your progression.
Government initiatives
All UK governments are committed to supporting people back into the workplace. This includes practical support to access training. If you are in not currently in paid employment, gov.uk offers advice on 'Help with moving from benefits to work'.
The Restart Scheme gives Universal Credit claimants who have been out of work for at least twelve months enhanced support to find jobs in their local area.
Myth busting: apprenticeships
I'm too old to do an apprenticeship!
Apprenticeships aren’t just for 16 – 18-year-olds. 76 per cent of new apprentices in 2019/20 were aged 19 and over (source: Apprenticeship Statistics [parliament.uk])
Apprenticeships are not just for those starting out in their career, learners may be looking for a career change, trying to upskill or perhaps secure a new role after taking some time out.
I don't want to be in a trade, so apprenticeships aren't for me
Apprenticeships aren’t only in the trades—there are hundreds of apprenticeships linked to job roles in the construction sector. There are apprenticeships that match non-trade roles as well as the traditional trade occupations.
Doing an apprenticeship will mean I have to take a pay cut!
You don’t have to take a pay cut to complete an apprenticeship—they can be completed as part of upskilling or career changing. As long as you are in a job role where you can learn the competencies of the apprenticeship, your employment terms and conditions do not need to change.
