You could apply to do a Thatcher Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a thatching or roofing company.

This can take around 2 years to complete.

The National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT) also offers an apprenticeship and mentoring scheme.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

You could start by looking for work as a trainee thatcher or thatcher's labourer. Once you're working, your employer would train you in thatching skills and techniques.

You could apply directly to thatching companies if you've got experience in related work like roofing or reed cutting.

Your enthusiasm and practical skills will be as important as qualifications.

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• excellent verbal communication skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• be able to cope with working at height

As a thatcher, you could:

• put up scaffolding or secure ladders to buildings
• identify thatched areas for repair or replacement
• strip off old roofs
• check roof timbers for damage or rot
• prepare bundles of straw, wheat reed or water reed ready for use
• secure bundles of thatch to roof timbers
• remove moss and lichen growth from roofs
• grow and harvest your own thatching materials

We've identified this as a potential green job

As a thatcher, you'll use environmentally friendly, sustainable materials to insulate the roofs of properties.

Find out more about green careers

You could work at a client's home.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, physically demanding and dusty.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.