A career in roofing is hands-on, varied, and full of opportunity. No two days are the same, one day you might be installing a roof on a large commercial project, the next repairing or replacing one on a family home. It’s a trade that keeps you outdoors, active, and constantly learning, while working alongside other tradies as part of a team.
Roofing apprentices work towards the New Zealand Certificate in Roofing (Level 4). Once completed, this qualification allows you to work as a roofer on sites across New Zealand. From there, you can specialise further, step up into supervisory or management roles, or even start your own business.
Many roofers enjoy long, successful careers that grow with their skills and experience.
To thrive in roofing, you’ll need to be reliable, organised, physically fit, and comfortable working at heights. Good communication, teamwork, and professionalism are also key, along with the flexibility to work in all weather and adapt to varied hours when required.
Roofing is a career that rewards dedication with solid qualifications, steady work, and the chance to build a future in a vital trade.
How do roofing apprenticeships work?
When you have signed on as an apprentice, you do your learning on the job and by attending block courses. Your supervisor will show you how to do things and explain why things are done this way. Your supervisor will also make sure you learn good work practices to ensure you and others are safe in the workplace.
In the NZ Roofing Industry, there are currently seven strands you can specialise in:
Concrete or Clay Tile Roof
Metal Tile Roof
Profiled Metal Roof and Wall Cladding
Shingle or Slate Roof
Liquid Roof Membrane Systems
Single Layer Roof Membrane Systems
Torch On Roof Membrane Systems
You will be provided with resources with instructions for completing the on job assessments listed in the New Zealand Certificate learning material.
Your supervisor will be an experienced, practising roofer. They may also be your Verifier. The Verifier watches, helps and mentors you so that they can verify (check) that you are getting the skills and knowledge required as you progress through your apprenticeship. Your learning material is designed to gradually build your knowledge and skills over the length of your apprenticeship. Yes there are time requirements that sections must be finished by a set time. This then enables you to advance to the next phase of your learning journey.
A word which will be seen frequently in your learning materials and conversations with learning providers is ‘Competent’. Being competent is where you can demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to complete your assessments in your apprenticeship. This will include practical and theory assessments. Your Verifier will be there to see that this is your own work and it has been done properly. If you are not sure what is being asked, just ask your verifier or if you are at a Block Course ask your tutor.
Who provides roofing training?
Roofing apprenticeships are delivered by Vertical Horizonz and ICE (Industry Connection for Excellence), our industry training providers. They deliver the off-job training and block courses required for the New Zealand Certificate in Roofing (Level 4), and provide support for trainees who need extra help with literacy, numeracy, or learning challenges.
Waihanga Ara Rau, the Government Workforce Development Council for construction and infrastructure, works with RANZ to set industry standards and ensure training reflects the needs of the roofing sector. Our qualifications are registered with NZQA and nationally recognised.
RANZ, Waihanga Ara Rau, and our training providers meet regularly to review qualifications, update training materials, allocate resources, improve access to training, and support career pathways. Together, we are focused on ensuring roofing training remains current, practical, and fit for purpose.
Sustaining our industry depends on developing skilled people. That means employers and businesses must play their part by supporting apprentices and investing in training. We can’t leave it to others — we all have a responsibility to grow the future of roofing in New Zealand.
