Trade work is supremely underrated as a general career path, especially by younger generations unfamiliar with the possibilities posed by a vocation. The nationwide push towards higher and further education has served well in expanding the horizons of younger people, but has also had a mitigating impact on uptake of skilled trade work.
This has had a knock-on effect on trade businesses and indeed the wider industry, as demand remains high for work that less and less people are being trained to perform. The government has previously tried to redress the balance with a renewed focus on internships and vocational education, but the decision to pick up a vocation ultimately remains in the hands of the individual. If you are on the fence about starting in a trade like roofing, why should you move ahead and take the plunge?
Why Should You Consider a Career as a Roofer?
Clear Progression and Gateways
For one, the route to roofing is a straightforward one. You can qualify for roofing through apprenticeship programmes or courses with building colleges; hands-on experience is always provided, and a clear pathway to full-time employment is always in view. Positions in roofing are readily available for skilled and qualified workers to take, meaning a swift transition from study and experience-gaining to gainful work and progression.
Not only this, but once you are established as a jobbing roofer, there are myriad opportunities to expand and specialise – whether in service of starting a business or transitioning to more skilled design work and project management. Through various roofing projects, you will become more familiar with architecture principles and project planning, giving you transferable skills that could service a move to executive work in the future.
Regular, High-Value Work
As mentioned earlier, trade work is in high demand – and the earning potential for skilled tradespeople is much higher than many may initially think. Roof installs on new builds form regular income streams, while roof maintenance is a common and essential part of household management. As such, there is little likelihood of a lull in business, and every opportunity to increase your financial standing further.
Varied Work
Not only is work regular, but also extremely varied. One week you might be installing dry ridge roof systems across a row of older-build properties to preserve their climate resilience; the next, you might be supervising the install of bitumen roofing to a commercial property or municipal building. No two days will ever be quite the same, meaning a career full of variety and fresh opportunity.
Working with a variety of contractors and clients gives you the chance to network – an undervalued skill to possess in trade work. With your new network of clients, partners and contractor organisations, you can effectively cement yourself as an industry professional with a positive reputation, giving you the chance to take your career path in any number of directions.