Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
•   Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.
• Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.
• Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
• Estimate materials and labor required to complete roofing jobs.
• Cement or nail flashing strips of metal or shingle over joints to make them watertight.
• Install partially overlapping layers of material over roof insulation surfaces, using chalk lines, gauges on shingling hatchets, or lines on shingles.
• Cut felt, shingles, or strips of flashing to fit angles formed by walls, vents, or intersecting roof surfaces.
• Apply plastic coatings, membranes, fiberglass, or felt over sloped roofs before applying shingles.
• Install, repair, or replace single-ply roofing systems, using waterproof sheet materials such as modified plastics, elastomeric, or other asphaltic compositions.
• Attach roofing paper to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials.

Further Information

• Roofer- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

People interested in roofing, cladding & slate work as a career enter from a number of allied trades roles: carpentry, stone work, and construction. Training may occur on the job on a construction site or through specific training with a roofing contractor after directly applying.

Key Skills Certs:

• Manual Handling 
• Working at Height / MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) 
• Scaffolding
• SafePass

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: construction.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: construction, renewable energy, pre-apprenticeship.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Roofing, Cladding Apprenticeship.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €32k - €50k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ WRC rates/ Solas/ Talent

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Steel erectors, Roofers, roof tilers and slaters, Glaziers, window fabricators and fitters, Construction and building trades n.e.c., Floorers and wall tilers, Construction and building trades supervisors.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

This occupation had the largest absolute increase in employment since 2022 across construction occupations (+3,200 persons). Over a quarter of persons employed were aged 55 years and older which may lead to increased demand in future years to replace those leaving the occupation. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were primarily for supervisors, other trades and steel erectors and DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy notifications included forepersons, tilers and glaziers.

Employment permits issued in 2023 were across a number of roles including tilers, steel fixers, forepersons, roofers, and floorers. Skills for Growth data indicated issues with sourcing roofers with carpentry skills for solar panel installation. Increased offsite construction of roofs is likely to have knock-on effects for demand for these skills although this may be offset by increased demand for roofers and glaziers for retrofitting activities (see DFHERIS report).

• Construction Industry Federation

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