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Thatcher
Thatchers use traditional craft skills, materials and tools to replace and repair thatched roofs.
Average salary (a year)
£0
Starter
£0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
42.0 to 44.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
freelance / self-employed
managing your own hours
How to become
Explore the different ways 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
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Roofer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
This will usually take a year and a half to complete and could help you to get a trainee job with a thatching company. You would then do further training in thatching methods with your employer.
The National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT) also offers an apprenticeship and mentoring scheme.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could start by looking for work as a trainee thatcher or thatcher's labourer. Once you're working, your employer would train you in thatching techniques to eventually qualify as a thatcher.
Direct Application
You may be able to apply directly to thatching companies if you've got experience in related work like roofing or reed cutting.
Your enthusiasm and practical skills will be as important as qualifications.
Other Routes
You may be able to do specialist training courses if you're interested in heritage and conservation skills like thatching. The King's Foundation also runs courses in building crafts, including thatching.
These courses may help you to get a job as a trainee thatcher.
More Information
Career Tips
You may need to relocate to an area where thatching skills are in demand.
Professional And Industry Bodies
You may find it useful to join organisations like the National Society of Master Thatchers to make industry contacts.
Further Information
You can find out more about thatching from the National Society of Master Thatchers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Related Restrictions
be able to cope with working at height
have a good level of fitness
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
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
Possible green job
As a thatcher, you'll use environmentally friendly, sustainable materials to insulate the roofs of properties.
Working environment
You could work at a client's home.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, physically demanding and dusty.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could set up your own business and take on other thatchers, or train new entrants to the industry.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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