🏠

Made Redundant? Roofing Could Be Your Next Career

💷 £28,000 - £45,000⏱ 6 months - 2 years📈 Demand: Very High

Overview

Redundancy is brutal. The uncertainty, the financial pressure, the hit to your confidence — it's one of the most stressful things you can go through. But here's the thing: redundancy can also be the push you needed to do something different. Roofing is one of the best trades for people facing redundancy because it's quick to get into, always in demand, and pays well. Every building has a roof, roofs don't last forever, and there aren't enough roofers in the UK to meet demand. Your redundancy payout can fund the training, and within 6-12 months, you can be earning. If you're physically capable and not afraid of heights, roofing offers a genuine fresh start.

📬 Get Roofer Job Alerts

New roofer jobs delivered to your inbox weekly. Free, no spam.

🔒 No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.

Step-by-Step Career Path

Use Your Redundancy Wisely

If you've received a redundancy payout, ring-fence £3,000-£6,000 for training and initial tools. Don't let it get absorbed into general living costs. Sign on with your local Jobcentre Plus too — you may qualify for additional funding through the National Careers Service or sector-based work academies in construction.

Enrol in Roofing Training

The NVQ Level 2 in Roofing covers slating, tiling, flat roofing, and basic leadwork. Options include college courses (6-12 months, £1,500-£3,000), intensive private courses (4-8 weeks, £3,000-£5,000), or an adult apprenticeship. Some construction training centres offer specific redundancy retraining packages.

Get Your Essential Cards

You'll need a CSCS card (pass the CITB H&S test, £21 + £36 for the card) and ideally an IPAF licence if working with cherry pickers/MEWPs (£200-£300, 1-2 days). A working at height certificate is also valuable — many employers require it.

Build Experience on Site

Start as a roofer's mate or labourer (£80-£120/day) to learn the practical side. The theory is one thing — working on a real roof in the rain is another. Expect 3-6 months of building speed and confidence before you're a productive roofer.

Specialise for Higher Earnings

Flat roofing (torch-on felt, single-ply), leadwork, and heritage slate roofing all command premium rates. Flat roofing is especially lucrative because it requires specialist knowledge and materials. Consider getting manufacturer-specific accreditations (Firestone, Sika, IKO).

Scale Up

Experienced roofers typically go self-employed within 1-2 years. Day rates of £180-£300 are standard. Price work (per square metre) can push earnings higher. Your previous career skills in quoting, project management, and client communication help you build a successful business faster.

Qualifications Needed

✓NVQ Level 2 in Roofing (Slating & Tiling or Flat Roofing)
✓CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card
✓CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test
✓IPAF/PASMA Licence (for working at height with equipment)
✓Manufacturer-specific Accreditations (Firestone, Sika, etc.)
✓First Aid at Work Certificate

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

Quick to get into — you can be earning within 6 months
Strong demand all year round — roofs always need fixing
Self-employed roofers earn £35-55K+
Satisfying work — the before/after of a new roof is dramatic
Lower training costs than most trades
Your redundancy payout can cover the full training cost

❌ Cons

Working at height is non-negotiable — not for those with vertigo
Exposed to all weather conditions — rain, wind, sun, cold
Physically demanding — carrying materials up ladders all day
Seasonal fluctuations — less work in severe weather
Risk of injury if safety procedures aren't followed
Early starts and outdoor work in winter are tough

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my redundancy money for training?▼

Yes, and it's one of the best uses for it. A roofing course costs £1,500-£5,000, tools cost £300-£500, and CSCS/IPAF cards cost around £300. Total investment of £3,000-£6,000 gets you into a career that can earn £30-55K+ per year. That's an excellent return on investment.

Is roofing safe?▼

With proper training and equipment, yes. Modern roofing involves harnesses, edge protection, scaffolding, and strict health and safety procedures. Falls from height are the biggest risk in construction, which is why training emphasises safety above everything. Follow the rules and it's no more dangerous than driving to work.

I'm scared of heights — can I still roof?▼

Mild height discomfort often fades with exposure and confidence. However, if you have genuine vertigo or severe acrophobia, roofing probably isn't for you — and that's okay. Consider ground-level trades like plumbing, carpentry, or bricklaying instead.

How physically fit do I need to be?▼

Reasonably fit. You'll be climbing ladders, carrying tiles (each weighing 2-5kg, but you'll carry many per day), and working in awkward positions. A basic level of fitness is needed, but you don't need to be an athlete. Most people build roofing fitness on the job within the first month.

What government support is available for redundancy retraining?▼

Contact the National Careers Service (free, government-funded career advice). Your Jobcentre Plus advisor can refer you to sector-based work academies which offer free construction training. Advanced Learner Loans cover course fees. Some local councils have specific redundancy retraining funds. The CITB also offers grants for construction training.

📬 Get Jobs Like This Sent to You

Join thousands of tradespeople getting weekly job alerts. Free, no spam.