The Job and What's Involved

Thatchers roof, re-roof and repair thatched properties. They begin by making an agreement with the owner of the property about the specification, cost and timescale of the work to be undertaken.

Preparation of the roof and materials before work starts is vital, and thatchers:

• Obtain appropriate materials for the work to be carried out.
• Prepare thatching materials prior to fixing them to the roof.
• Erect scaffolding and prepare ladders.
• Check and repair the wooden roof structure if necessary.
• Make sure that chimneys are checked and repaired if necessary.
• Protect the building from water damage whilst working in wet weather.

Three main types of thatching material are used - long straw, combed wheat reed and water reed. Sedge grass is also used in some areas for ridging work. Wire netting is used to prevent bird damage to the thatch.

Thatching involves a number of processes:

1. The removal of old wire netting to allow for the complete or partial stripping of old thatching materials.
2. Repairing or replacing the main surface of the roof.
3. Adding new thatch in approximately one metre strips (stulch), starting at the eaves and working up to the ridge, or in courses across the roof from eaves to ridge, securing each course with wooden pegs, twine, steel spikes or screw and wire fixings.
4. Fixing a final layer to the ridge line with wooden pegs and riven rods - this section is often a decorative feature where a thatcher can personalise the roof.
5. Replacing the top ridge section only (re-ridging) and fitting new wire netting.

Thatchers use a range of cutting and fixing tools - shearing hooks and shears, long needles, eave-knives and various hooks, hammers and mallets. Thatching tools have changed little over hundreds of years and some are very hard to replace. Some thatchers now make their own tools. In some areas, thatchers are also involved in producing their own thatching straw or reed.

Almost half of the existing thatched buildings in the UK are listed as being of historical interest or are in conservation areas. Any thatching work on these buildings has to be completed to strict standards, including eliminating fire hazards from external lighting. In addition, thatchers must always be aware of health and safety regulations during their work.

Thatchers often spend several weeks at a time working on one job. This may involve early starts, late finishes and some weekend work during the summer months. Working hours are shorter in the winter, due to the dark nights and poorer weather. A master thatcher working alone will take eight to ten weeks to thatch an average-sized roof.

Thatchers work outdoors in all weather conditions. Most of their time is spent on ladders or scaffolding, leaning in awkward positions. Special leather or rubber kneepads are worn for protection.

Thatching is hard, dirty work and is very tough on the hands. Old roofs can be very dusty. Seeds and spores from the thatch can produce very difficult working conditions and masks are worn when needed. The job may not be suitable for those who suffer from respiratory problems.

There are estimated to be around 54,000 to 55,000 thatched buildings in the UK. The thatching industry is experiencing a revival. Thatch has been gaining in popularity and a growing number of new houses are being built with thatched roofs.

There are between 900 and 1000 thatchers in the UK. They work in areas across the country, but the greatest concentration is from the Midlands down to the south coast.

There is fierce competition for all thatching work.

Most thatchers are self-employed, perhaps employing one other person, often on a casual basis. The best way to enter the industry is to approach established thatchers - by telephone and in person - to see if they are taking on trainees. Work experience can be a useful introduction to the trade. Addresses of local thatchers can be found in the local business directories or on the internet.

Education and Training

There are no set academic entry requirements. It may help to have GCSE's/S grades (A-E/1-5) in English, maths and ICT, which are useful for running a small business.

Herefordshire College of Technology operate the industry-led New Entrants Training Scheme. To join individuals must be at least 16 years of age, be employed with a firm in a rural area of England with a population of less than 10,000, for at least six months and have a training agreement with an employer.

Training is expensive, which is why individuals must have worked in the industry for at least six months to show that they are committed. Trainees need to gain experience of the techniques used for different types of thatching materials. Applicants should have a driving licence (or be prepared to learn to drive).

Apprenticeships which may be available in England are Young Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. To find out which one is most appropriate log onto www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact your local Connexions Partnership.

There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For further information contact Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk, Careers Wales www.careerswales.com; and for Northern Ireland contact COIU www.delni.gov.uk.

It is important to bear in mind that pay rates for Apprenticeships do vary from area to area and between industry sectors.

Adult Entry

The New Entrants Training Scheme is aimed primarily at people aged 16 to 25 years, but older applicants are considered if places are available.

Training

Under the New Entrants Training Scheme, training takes place at a specialist training centre at Knuston Hall in Northamptonshire. The scheme is based on 12 weekly modules delivered over two years. There is continuous assessment of the work.

Successful completion of the course leads to NVQ Level 2 in Roofing Occupations (Thatching). There is also the option to complete an NVQ Level 3 in Roofing Occupations (Thatching) in a third year, which places greater emphasis on the skills of thatching, covering the detailing and decorative effects.

An SVQ Level 2 in Thatching is also available.

Short courses may also be available to improve the skills of experienced thatchers.

Personal Qualities

Thatchers need:

• Dexterity and practical skills.
• Be able to work at heights and be physically fit.
• The ability to cut a straight line.
• Knowledge of thatching materials.
• Good planning and organisational skills.
• Numerical skills, to estimate materials, price jobs and maintain accounts.
• To be able to communicate and negotiate with customers and local authority officials.
• Knowledge of building, safety and conservation regulations.
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Prospects

Career progression involves building up a good reputation and gaining more work.

There may be some opportunities for qualified thatchers to work on contracts overseas.

Get Further Information

Herefordshire College of Technology, Folly Lane, Hereford HR1 1LS  Tel: 01432 365314
Website www.hct.ac.uk

Knuston Hall, Irchester, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN29 7EU  Tel: 01933 312104
Website: www.knustonhall.org.uk

Lantra, Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, Warwickshire CV8 2LG
Tel: 024 7669 6996  Website: www.lantra.co.uk

The National Heritage Training Group, Carthusian Court, 12 Carthusian Street,
London EC1M 6EZ  Tel: 01159 217562  Website: www.nhtg.org.uk

National Society of Master Thatchers, 13 Parkers Hill, Tetsworth, Thame,
Oxfordshire OX9 7AQ  Tel: 01844 281208  Website: www.nsmtltd.co.uk

Thatching Information Service, The Granary, Home Farm Court, Kingsbury Episcopi,
Martock, Somerset TA12 6AT  Tel: 01935 823536  Email: Jlthatch@aol.com

 

Careers information and vocational qualifications change rapidly. The information in this career note was accurate at the time of going to print, but readers should check it with professional bodies or careers advisers before making decisions.