Roofer
Transform homes by fitting and repairing roofs with sustainable materials. Your work keeps families safe, warm and dry through every season.
Also known as: roofing labourer
About the job
What it's like
Roofers work outdoors, installing and repairing roofs on all kinds of buildings. It’s a hands-on job that keeps you active and offers plenty of variety.
You'll focus on making sure buildings are safe, dry and protected from the weather. You’ll work with different materials like tiles, slates, metal and flat roofing systems. The job can be rewarding, especially when you see a finished roof and know you’ve helped keep people safe and comfortable.
You might work on new builds, historic restorations or emergency repairs after a storm. Roofers are needed in construction, property maintenance and specialist roofing firms. Some roofers specialise in flat roofing, heritage restoration or installing eco-friendly green roofs.
Your tasks might include:
measuring and cutting roofing materials to fit specific spaces
removing old or damaged roofs before installing new ones
fitting tiles, slates or metal sheets securely
sealing roof joints to prevent leaks
installing insulation or ventilation systems
checking completed work for quality and safety
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
support the installation of green roofs or solar panels to improve energy efficiency
use sustainable or recycled materials in roofing projects
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Building Federation – find information on skills, training and industry standards in Scotland
Go Construct – more information about being a roofer
National Federation of Roofing Contractors – industry carrers support
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Roofer'
Select qualification level(s)
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Shopfitter -
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Window fitter
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- time management
- taking initiative
- risk taking
- managing resources
- problem solving
- resourceful
- cooperating
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Construction Craft
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Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
The most common way to become a roofer is through a Modern Apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider a GA in Construction and the Built Environment.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Construction
Built Environment
Architectural Technology
Civil Engineering
Building Services Engineering
Construction Management
Use the My World of Work course search to find courses.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a roofer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You may have to pass an aptitude test before entry to a construction-based apprenticeship.
To work on a construction site, you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.
Roofers must pass a health and safety test.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Roofer'
