NFRC Young People

What does the industry offer for young people?

NFRC is a huge supporter of young people in roofing. As a young person in roofing, you can look forward to industry-wide recognition for your skills and talents. We recognise, acknowledge, and celebrate the talent of those pursuing a roofing career.

There are a number of awards dedicated to young roofers, such as the NFRC UK Roofing Awards, which include a category for Young Roofer of the Year, and the BMI Apprentice of the Year Awards.

Winning this award could even lead to a place in the IFD World Championships, which is considered one of the highest accolades to achieve. You could also enter skills challenges and events, such as SkillBuild. With competitions and awards such as these, you'll get the chance to enjoy having fun alongside your learning.

Finding a job in the roofing sector

When you're ready to get started, here's what you will need:

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—your full name and perhaps some numbers is usually a safe choice. Using a separate email account for your job search means you avoid a clogged inbox and 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 who the employer is. You can use this tracker to log other information too, like research you’ve done about the company, the 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.

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.

If you would like further advice, support, or have any general queries, please get in touch below.

Roofing specialisms

Roofing is a diverse industry with lots of different specialisms to consider. If you are looking for a trade-based career, it is useful to research the different types of roofing specialisms so that you can choose what type of jobs to apply for and use your knowledge during the employer interview. Below are the main routes you can look into as a starting point for your job research.

Slater & tiler* (including heritage)

Roof slating and tiling is a common roofing discipline found on roofs with a slope or pitch. They are known for their durability and regarded for their aesthetic appeal, and ability to shed water effectively.

Reinforced bitumen membrane (RMB) installer

Reinforced bitumen membranes (RBMs) are a type of roofing material that combines bitumen with reinforcement layers, such as polyester or fiberglass, to enhance durability, flexibility, and waterproofing capabilities. These membranes are typically used on roofs that require a high level of water resistance and durability, particularly in flat or low-slope applications.

Waterproofing membranes installer*

Waterproofing membranes can be installed on several types of roofs. Their purpose is to prevent water infiltration and protect the building structure. These membranes are essential in ensuring that roofs are watertight, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall or where the roof design could otherwise allow water to penetrate.

Single ply membrane installer

Single-ply roofing is a popular roofing system commonly used on flat or low-slope roofs, and is commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings. It provides a durable, waterproof barrier for the roof through combining a single, flexible membrane made from synthetic materials.

Liquid applied waterproofing

Liquid applied waterproofing in roofing involves applying a liquid coating that cures to form a seamless, flexible, and durable waterproof membrane over the roof surface. This is particularly beneficial for complex roof shapes and areas that are prone to water pooling. This method provides a continuous barrier against water infiltration. It is commonly used on flat or low-slope roofs, offering strong protection and ease of application.

Sheeter and Cladder* (including rainscreen)

Sheeting and cladding in roofing involve covering the exterior of a roof with large, flat panels (sheeting) or protective layers (cladding) to provide weather resistance, structural support, and aesthetic appeal. Sheeting typically refers to materials like metal, plastic, or fiber cement panels that form the roof's surface. Cladding adds an extra protective layer, often enhancing insulation, durability, and the overall appearance of the building.

Mastic Asphalter

Mastic asphalt in roofing is a highly durable, waterproof material combining multiple materials, which is applied in a hot liquid form. Once cooled, it creates a seamless, solid surface that provides excellent protection against water infiltration, making it ideal for flat roofs, terraces, and walkways. It's highly regarded for its flexibility and longevity.

Hard metals (aluminium, copper, zinc, steel)

Hard metals in roofing refer to durable, long-lasting materials like zinc, copper, and stainless steel. These materials are used to create sleek, weather-resistant roof coverings. Hard metals are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal, flexibility in design, and ability to form complex shapes, which means they can be used for modern and historic buildings. Hard metal roofs are also highly resistant to corrosion and can last for several decades.

Leadwork

Lead in roofing is a traditional material used for its malleability, durability, and excellent waterproofing properties. It is commonly employed for flashing, detailing, and weatherproofing around roof edges, chimneys, and other penetrations.

* these specialisms are contained within the roofer apprenticeship standard in England.

Where to start

There are many entry routes into the roofing sector. Below are some examples of what is available.

Apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships

What is it?

An apprenticeship is a real job with training. The apprentice is an employee who also completes a recognised apprenticeship linked to their job role. By the end of the apprenticeship, you'll be a qualified apprentice, with the right skills and knowledge for your chosen career.

Benefits

Apprenticeships are paid jobs which incorporate relevant industry training.
Apprentices are employed from day one.
Apprenticeships are available throughout the UK.
Apprentices are enrolled onto industry-recognised learning programmes with training providers, meaning that you will attend training, in addition to your learning in the workplace.

Here are some example of apprentice job titles:

Apprentice Roofing Operative
Apprentice Roofer
Business Support Apprentice (Working in finance, HR, administrative support, customer services, or sales departments
Apprentice Project Controls Technician
Apprentice Estimator
Apprentice Site Supervisor
Apprentice Assistant Site Manager
Apprentice Project Manager

Trainee

What is it?

The main role of a trainee is to gain experience of all aspects of their selected career as well as develop skills in the job role they are learning. This can be achieved through a number of qualifications including:

Vocational Qualifications (VQs), referred to as NVQs or SVQs depending on where you live, are a regulated qualification that is typically achieved with combined on-the- job learning and assessment in the real working environment. You cannot fail a VQ, but will only achieve the qualification once all the assessment criteria is satisfied.

A Specialist Applied Skills Programme (SAP) is delivered through a series of short duration modulated training courses typically over a 25-day period, followed by a Vocational Qualification. The training is loaded into the first twelve months of the programme, with the subsequent six months set for competence assessment.

By the end of the trainee period, you will have gained experience in the skills that are required for your future job.

Benefits

Trainees can be any age, as long as they have left compulsory education.

A trainee’s employer decides what training they will complete, including off-the-job training such as VQs (Vocational Qualifications) and technical training.

Here are some examples of trainee job titles:

Trainee Roofing operative
Trainee Roofer
Trainee Estimator
Roofer's Mate
Trainee Supervisor
Trainee Manager

Graduate

Graduate Scheme

What is it?

A graduate scheme is an entry-level job that you can do once you’ve completed a relevant degree. The graduate scheme is a job with a training programme attached, designed by the employer.

By the end of the graduate scheme, you will have gained valuable experience with the required skills for your future career.

Benefits

The graduate can be introduced to multiple areas of the business and build up their experience and knowledge.

Here are some examples of graduate schemes in roofing:

Graduate estimator
Graduate manager
Assistant site manager

Roofing apprenticeships

If you would like to find an apprenticeship, you're in the right place. NFRC has a directory of Training Providers and colleges located across the UK who help deliver apprenticeships alongside employers. As an apprentice, your time will be split between working on-site and gaining experience, and completing additional training with a mentor at your college or Training Provider. Typically, you will work around 37-40 hours a week and earn an income.

The expected salary for a roofing operative varies as you become more experienced. GoConstruct has published the following information:

Newly trained roofing operatives can start at £26000*
Trained with experience roofing operatives can earn up to £51000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Requirements

If you're 16-18, you'll typically need to work towards achieving Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE Grade 4/C) if you don't already have them, as these are mandatory to complete the apprenticeship. If you're 19+, these requirements become optional, needing only to be studied if you and your employer agree it's beneficial, with funding still available if opted-in.

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16 and are a valuable opportunity to earn while you learn, gain real life experience on the tools, develop new skills and become a master of your trade, and secure a job in a multi-billion pound industry with huge demands for talented roofers. You could eventually work on historic buildings, football stadiums, music arenas, or become a self-employed business owner with a team of your own apprentices. The possibilities are endless.

Finding an apprenticeship

There are numerous ways to find an apprenticeship. You could reach out to local businesses, or an employer who you would like to work for, and enquire about their apprenticeships. Alternatively, you can use any of the resources below to find the latest roofing apprenticeships.

Read our apprentice case studies and success stories

Over the years we've invited apprentices from across the roofing sector to share their story and give an insight into what a career in roofing looks like.

NAW 2025–NFRC and SIMIAN

Brothers Mark and Daniel, from Greenough & Sons, are completing the roof slate and tiling apprenticeship together at with SIMIAN.

NAW 2025-NFRC and Juniper Training

George, an apprentice with Juniper Training, started his apprenticeship when he was 26 years old. With ambitions of becoming a supervisor, he says it’s never too late to take the next step.

NAW 2025–NFRC and Langley

Lenny is employed by Embassy Site Services and completing his apprenticeship through Langley. He says one of the best things about an apprenticeship is the amount of support you get to help you learn and progress.

Chantalle–Office & Supply Chain Co-ordinator

Chantalle started her journey with the team at Industrial Construction (Sussex) Limited (ICS) in 2011 as Receptionist/Administrator, and is now the Office and Supply Chain Co-ordinator.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025-Aiden

Aiden is a first year apprentice with McCorquodale & Son, but said with roofing, he already feels like he has a career for life.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025-Adam

Adam, a final year apprentice, hopes to get his own van and pass on his knowledge to other apprentices.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025-Andy

Andy, a second year sheeting and cladding apprentice, says an apprenticeship is good for your career to boost you ahead in life.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025-Daniel

Daniel is in his second year of his apprenticeship and hopes to continue advancing his skills in the trade.

Procurement Coordination-Sophie

Sophie says the key to the appeal of her work is that no two days are ever the same.

Apprentice spotlight

Hear from real apprentices from across NFRC Membership to learn what careers in roofing are all about.

Roofing success stories

Over the years, we've invited roofing professionals from across the sector to share their stories and offer insight into what a career in roofing looks like. We're always happy to share these stories to promote careers in roofing, so if you have one you'd like to share, please reach out to our team, and we'll be in touch.