Thatcher

Level

Intermediate · like GCSEs

Length

2 yrs

typical

Sector

Construction and the built environment

Pay

Paid

you earn while training

In a nutshell

Covers commercial, agricultural, domestic, new-build and historic buildings with a variety of differing roof designs and materials.

Prepare bundles of reed or straw for fixing onto the roof

Lay courses of thatch and fix using spars, sways, and liggers

Construct ridges and finish with traditional ornamental patterns

Work safely at height using appropriate access equipment

Strip old thatch where required before relaying

Maintain and care for thatching tools and materials

Liaise with clients and heritage organisations on project requirements

Properties of thatching materials including water reed, long straw, and combed wheat reed

Preparing and laying courses of thatch to a consistent thickness

Ridge construction including decorative patterns and fixings

Working safely at height on pitched roofs

Selecting, preparing, and maintaining thatching tools

Understanding the anatomy of a thatched roof and drainage principles

Heritage building regulations and listed building considerations

Ready to look for a place?

See live Thatcher apprenticeship vacancies on the official government service.

A Careermash concept · apprenticeship standard from our careers engine · vacancies via gov.uk.