Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Hit the heights by becoming a roofer
THINKING about getting into a trade?
We will always need qualified roofers, that means there’s always going to be work if you make the grade.
But it’s not an easy gig — standards have to be high if you’re going to be successful, and your actual “workplace” gives you all sorts of additional hazards to think about.
Ryan Mitchell, 19, is in his third year of an apprenticeship with John James Roofing of Broughty Ferry.
“I did an Introduction to Construction course at Dundee & Angus College which gave me a chance to try plumbing, brickwork, painting and the rest,” explains Ryan.
“When I went for roofing my apprenticeship meant another course at the Arbroath campus. Now I’m spending more time on site than in a classroom and I’m really enjoying it.
“I repair slates/tiles, fit Velux windows, roof line cladding, renew flashings/lead work and flat roofs — all the jobs you get in this field.
“I work with a journeyman — Steve Abbott — and I learn a lot from him. The heights we work at are pretty scary to start with but you get used to it.
“The main thing is always to be aware of your surroundings, never lose sight of the fact that you’re three-storeys up.
“If you accidentally drop a hammer when you’re working at ground-level it means nothing. Up here, it’s different.
“So I’ve learned to be aware of where I am, where the equipment is and to make sure that I’ve got the right tool ready for the journeyman at the right time.
“You’ve got be ready to have wasps and gulls in your face too!”
Employed by a family firm with a threedecade pedigree also means that Ryan has to be aware that he’s representing the company when he’s at work, so people skills and politeness are part of the tool-kit.
Owner Steve James explains: “I don’t want to see bits of debris falling into people’s gardens or someone walking through their flower beds. These are people’s homes and workplaces so over and above doing the job to the best standard, we treat people’s property with respect.”
Ryan works eight-hour shifts Monday to Friday in all weathers.
There’s a lot to learn, strict Health & Safety rules and, as a local independent firm, the quality of the work undertaken is expected to be top-notch.
There’s always going to be a need for multi-skilled roofers so it’s a trade worth considering.
Just watch your step up there!