There are no specific entry requirements to become a roofer, as you gain skills on the job.

Useful subjects include woodwork, maths and technical drawing.

Roofers gain skills on the job by working alongside an experienced roofer.

You can also complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Roofing. This usually takes two years to complete, and involves a combination of on-the-job training and assessment, and three one-week block courses through Waikato Institute of Technology.

The Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying and Roofing Industry Training Organisation oversees apprenticeships.

On 1 November 2008, the Department of Building and Housing introduced the first stage of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme for roofers. The scheme will mean that, from November 2010, certain roofing work will need to be undertaken or supervised by a licensed roofer.

To get a licence, roofers will have to prove their experience and/or have appropriate qualifications.

Useful experience for roofers includes any work in the building and construction industry, especially plumbing and carpentry.