As the school year starts to wrap up, thousands of young people across the UK are finishing their studies and asking the big question: what next?
Following a strictly academic route isn’t for everyone, meaning plenty of school-leavers are looking for something more practical and hands-on. In such cases, roofing (one of the most in-demand trades in the construction industry) could be the path well worth exploring. Find out more about this rewarding career option in this week’s blog.
Why roofing and why now?
The UK’s construction industry is predicted to need more than 250,000 extra workers by 2026, with 26,000 needed in Greater London and another 24,600 across the East of England alone.
But here’s the problem: not enough young people are entering the sector to replace those who are retiring. One survey showed that only 3% of 18–24-year-olds had searched for a job in construction. That means thousands of career opportunities are being missed – including roofing jobs that offer security, skills, good pay and real pride in the work.
What does a roofer actually do?
Roofers are responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining the roofs of all kinds of buildings – from new homes and schools to warehouses and office blocks. Depending on the job, they might be working with traditional tiles or slates, or with modern flat-roof materials like polymer membranes, felt, liquid coatings, bitumen/ rubber or even green and biodiverse roofing systems that support plant life. Some go on to specialise in heritage work, such as thatching or decorative leadwork.
A typical day on the job could involve measuring and cutting roofing layers, installing insulation and waterproofing systems and sealing joints to keep everything watertight (when working on new roofing) or perhaps stripping off old materials and fixing damaged areas (if working on an existing roof).
Roofers often work at height, in teams and sometimes in challenging weather conditions. It’s practical, physical work but also highly skilled, requiring problem-solving, planning and careful attention to detail.
Could it be right for you?
Roofing can be a fantastic fit for people who:
- Have a good head for heights and don’t mind working on scaffolds or ladders.
- Enjoy practical, hands-on work and have decent hand-eye coordination.
- Like being outdoors, even in challenging weather.
- Can work well as part of a team and follow instructions carefully.
- Are reliable, safety-conscious and punctual.
- Are physically fit or keen to stay active in their work.
- Have the right attitude – open to learning and able to adapt to new tools or materials.
What’s in it for you?
More than just a job, roofing can be the start of a long career that pays well, especially as your skills and experience grow. Many roofers progress into roles like supervisor, site manager, health and safety advisor, regional manager or even start their own businesses.
There’s also something deeply satisfying about roofing. When you help build or repair a roof, you’re contributing to a structure that protects people for decades. That sense of achievement – of being able to point to a building and say “I did that” – is something that many in the trade value highly.
And because no two projects are the same, it’s not a job that easily becomes boring. With ongoing changes in construction technology, there’s always something new to learn and do.
How to get started
There’s no single route into roofing, which makes it a flexible career choice. Some people start out as labourers and learn on the job. Others go through a roofing apprenticeship, where they earn while gaining a formal qualification.
You’ll need to pass a health and safety test to get a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card in order to work on building sites and may go on to complete an NVQ diploma in roofing through an approved training provider.
So, if you’re practical, willing to learn and looking for a career that gives you real opportunities from day one, roofing might just be your next step.
Call out to Sheriff team: Tell us what you enjoy about roofing in the comments on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
16.06.2025
Feature image: Serato/Shutterstock.com
