Thatcher
Thatchers use traditional craft skills, materials and tools to replace and repair thatched roofs.
Working Hours
42–44
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a thatcher, you'll:
- put up scaffolding or secure ladders to buildings
- strip off old roofs
- check roof timbers for damage or rot
- repair, treat or replace timbers
- prepare materials, like straw, wheat reed or water reed into bundles ready for use
- secure bundles of thatch to roof timbers using tarred cord or metal hooks
- grow and harvest your own thatching materials
We've identified this as a potential green job
As a thatcher, you'll use environmentally friendly, sustainable materials to insulate the roofs of properties.
Skills needed
- knowledge of building and construction
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- leadership skills
- customer service skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- doing specialist courses run by training organisations
Career progression
With experience, you could set up your own business and take on other thatchers, or train new entrants to the industry.