Roofer

As a roofer, you could:

• remove or repair broken tiles or slates
•  check the condition of roof timbers and seal roof joints
•  measure the roof area to work out how much material is needed
•  fit insulation
•  cover roofs with slates, tiles, sheets or cladding
•  apply waterproof membranes to flat roofs
•  fit plastic or lead 'flashings' around chimneys, windows and walls

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a roofer to be a green job, you could:

• install solar panels on buildings
•  fit roof insulation to make a property more energy efficient
•  use environmentally friendly and recyclable materials

Find out more about green careers

• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of maths 
• physical fitness and endurance
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

You could become a roofing surveyor, estimating costs, dealing with contracts and working with architects. You could also be a site manager, move into equipment sales or work as a steeplejack.

With a lot of experience, you could train apprentices, set up your own business or specialise in heritage conservation work.