Roofers are specialist building workers whose skills are used to erect and clad roof structures and install waterproofing, rainwater equipment and flashings.
Roof construction entails the setting out and construction of various trusses; the erection of roofs; and cladding of roof structures with different materials.
Rainwater equipment includes: development of sheet metal components; marking, cutting, riveting and soldering of sheet metal; and the fabrication and fitting of gutters and downpipes.
Waterproofing installation entails: identification of waterproofing materials; measuring and estimating quantities; and the application of reinforced liquid waterproofing.
Roofers work closely with carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers and other tradesmen in the building industry.
Requirements
A roofer should:
- be at least 16 years old;
- be able to interpret scale drawings;
- be patient, careful and responsible;
- be able to work at heights on scaffolding;
- have good eye-hand coordination;
- be physically strong;
- be able to use both his hands with confidence.
School Subjects
Grade 9 Certificate.
Some employers prefer higher qualifications.
Recommended Subjects: Civil Technology, Mathematics
Training
There are three ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a 4-year contract between company and apprentice, comprising a 12-week theoretical training, which includes 4 subjects at national exam level.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme that leads to a qualification in a certain field. The learnership programme includes a theoretical and a practical component. It usually takes about a year to complete. The training takes place on-site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets on-the-job experience whilst training.
3. FET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (this NCV) similar to the
new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Learners must all receive training in occupational safety and first aid, fire-fighting and preventative security measures. Learners study everything about the installation, maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment. They must also become familiar with municipal legislation relevant to electricity supply and consumption.
Employer
- Building contractors
- Industrial firms
- Trade and general contractors
- Government concerns
- Self-employment, with enough experience can practise this trade on a private basis or start own business
Contact
CETA
Tel: (011) 265-5900
Fax:(011) 265-5924/5
www.ceta.org.za