What does the industry offer for young people?
NFRC are huge supporters 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 includes a category for Young Roofer of the Year. 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. Download our brochure to find out more.
Where to start
There are many entry routes into the roofing sector. Below are some examples of what is available.
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
Here are some examples of trainee job titles:
Trainee Roofing operative
Trainee Roofer
Trainee Estimator
Roofer's Mate
Trainee Supervisor
Trainee Manager
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
Case studies and success storiesOver 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.
