How to Become a Roofer UK

If heights don’t scare you and you think you are fit in the construction industry, becoming a roofer is a career you might want to consider.

Roofers are professionals who install and repair roofs including flat roofs, residential and commercial building roofs, and more.

Read on to know how to become a roofer in the UK.

Roofer Training and Qualifications

The truth is that there is no set path to get the job as a roofer in the UK. There is even no need for you to get a university degree. You will either need to finish an apprenticeship, complete a college course, or establish your skills with an on the job training.

You can also opt to further improve your specialization with training courses in leadwork or thatching, for instance. If you are also interested in how today’s building industry adapts to different environmental pressures, you can also get some training in eco roofing such as how to install solar panels or green roof.

Apprenticeships are the best way for you to get paid work experience and formal training at the same time. Roofing apprenticeships can be completed in two years.

Required Skills for Roofers

Aside from the knowledge about the construction industry, the following are the skills that a roofer need:

• Ability to comprehend technical plans

• Ability to operate and run equipment

• Attention to detail

• Basic carpentry

• Confidence with working at heights

• Good communication

• Numeracy

• Physical fitness

• Teamwork and flexibility

 

Stay Updated with Safety and Health Advice

High risk is involved when you work as a roofer. Aside from working at height, you also need to learn how to manage and reduce the risks of working with machinery, asbestos, and excessive dust.

When you are a contractor, your employer is the one to provide the essential PPE you need to safely carry out the job. You also need to make yourself familiar with safety and health guidelines for people who work on roofs.

Industry and Accreditation Bodies

You will also need a membership card to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme or the equivalent so you can train and work on construction sites.

If you like your roofing skills to have a professional accreditation, the NFRC or National Federation of Roofing Contractors also provides the RoofCERT National Roofing Accreditation, which is the only one of its kind in the entire United Kingdom.

The following are the professional bodies in UK’s construction industry:

• CITB – This is the industry training board for sector in Wales, England, and Scotland.
• Institute of Roofing – You could become a member to get access to industry contacts and training.
• National Heritage Training Group – They provide specific resources and training for people specializing in working with buildings with historical value.

Register as a Self-Employed Roofer

Once you have beefed up your industry experience, you can be self-employed so you can work for several clients as a contractor. You can work on construction sites, residential properties, or a client’s business.

If you choose to go down this route, you have to register with the HMRC as self-employed. You also need to be familiar with the Construction Industry Scheme as well as what it means for subcontractors or contractors for tax payments.

from
https://www.skylineswindonroofing.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-roofer-uk/