If you’re interested in a trade that involves a lot of physical work and building structures, roofing might just be the profession for you. As is the case with a lot of trades, becoming a roofer requires quite a bit of knowledge and experience. However, the basic requirements aren’t too difficult to reach. Here are a few tips to help get you started in the field.
Get a high school diploma
The most basic requirement for becoming a roofer is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. One of the reasons for this requirement is that anyone else applying for a roofer job will most likely have a high school diploma. It’s considered a bare minimum, even though it’s not a necessity for the trade in a practical sense.
Basic math and reading are obviously skills you’ll need while working in the trade, so that’s another reason for this requirement.
Attend a trade school
As we’ve mentioned, there are no special requirements for becoming a roofer, though getting additional education can’t hurt. A trade school is considered an especially good choice if you intend to become a roofer. It helps candidates stand out when applying for a job, and it shows that they have the basic skills needed to complete specific tasks.
There are no trade schools that help you build a career in roofing, but they can offer a substantial education for related fields. This education can help you aim for different lines of work in the field and expand your skillset.
Become an apprentice
As is the case with most trades, you learn a lot more on the field than you do in a classroom. On-site training is an invaluable part of learning the basics of roofing. If your goal is to become a roofer, seeking an apprenticeship can be a tremendous help. Professionals often require assistance with their projects, and they tend to be on the lookout for apprentices.
Find local roofing services and see if they’re willing to offer apprenticeships to prospective workers. It will help you learn some on-the-field work and get all the experience you need to become a roofer in your own right. Plus, you’ll also earn money while learning about the tricks of the trade, so it’s a win-win situation.
Get the necessary gear
Working in the roofing business requires some basic equipment. Some of the most notable things you need include steel-toed boots, a hard cap, and other safety gear that prevents injuries. Depending on the job, you may require other items either for safety or to match the needs of a particular project.
As roofers work at heights, getting height safety equipment is also crucial. The most important piece of equipment that you need for height safety is the safety harness. A durable and reliable roof safety harness can mean the difference between a job well done and a catastrophic injury. A hard hat won’t protect you from falls from heights, which is why getting the right type of harness is so important. If you don’t know where to get the best kind of roof safety harness, consult someone that’s been in the business for some time. If you’ve become an apprentice, talk to your mentor about where they get their equipment.
Obtain a license
Each state has its own requirements when it comes to roofing licenses. If you intend to become a roofer, you must check local laws to find out about the minimum requirements. After you complete your training, you may have to calculate the total number of on-the-job hours you’ve spent in the field, as this tends to be an important factor for licensing.
Afterwards, you should start preparing for the state licensing board exam. Once you obtain your license, you’ll have a much easier time finding legitimate work. Many employers don’t care whether you have a license or not, but getting one is recommended if you want to secure a lasting position in the field.
Once you have a license, you can get your business online and start marketing to a bigger, regional audience.
Conclusion
Becoming a roofer isn’t too difficult, but there are certain things you can do to speed up the process and increase your longevity in the field. It can be an incredibly rewarding profession, and the pay isn’t half bad once you get some experience. Consider some of the above pointers and see if roofing is the right choice for you.
