Construction is a booming industry in Australia, and getting your roofing qualifications could be an excellent way to enter the field. To become a roofer, you will need to complete a series of steps that will qualify you as a certified roofing contractor.
This article will cover:
- Education and roofing apprenticeships
- Do roofers need a license to work in Australia?
- Starting a small business
- Roofer insurance options
Education & Experience
To become a certified roofing contractor in Australia, you will need to complete a certificate program and apprenticeship. There are three nationally recognised certificate options that aspiring roofing contractors can choose from:
- Certificate II in Metal Roofing and Cladding;
- Certificate III in Roof Plumbing; or
- Certificate III in Roof Tiling
You will also complete a roofing apprenticeship while finishing your certificate program. As an apprentice, you will work under the supervision of a certified roofer and gain valuable on-the-job experience. Apprenticeships typically take four years to complete, but you will be paid while you learn.
Licenses
After you earn your certificate and finish your apprenticeship, you can become a certified roofing contractor. The steps to get a license and work in construction are different in each state or territory and are overseen by the following licensing bodies:
- ACT – ACT Planning and Land Authority
- NSW – Fair Trading
- NT – Building Practitioners Board
- QLD – Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
- SA – Consumer and Business Services
- TAS – Department of Justice
- VIC – Victoria Building Commission
- WA – Building Commission of the Department of Commerce
Depending on where you live and work, you may need to obtain a roofing contractor license, join a construction trade association, and complete additional safety training. Check your state or territory licensing board for current licensing requirements in your area.
Starting Your Business
Many tradespeople get their roofing qualifications and license as a stepping stone to starting their own business. There are some required admin tasks to make your business official, including:
- Get an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Register your business name through the ASIC website
- Apply for a trademark for your business name or logo
- Get a Tax File Number (TFN)
- Set up business bank accounts
This guide to becoming a sole trader provides a more detailed overview of starting a small business in NSW and VIC.
Insurance
Like all jobs, there are risks you will face as a roofer. Even if you follow safety measures at all times, accidents and mistakes can still happen. Insurance for roofer contractors is one way to help minimise these risks, so they don’t completely derail your business.
Roofing contractors often consider these types of insurance:
- Public Liability* – This covers you if a third-party claims that your negligent business activities caused them injury or property damage.
- Business Insurance* – An insurance package designed to provide cover for your business tools, stock, and commercial premises when an insured event occurs (such as fire, storm, theft or accidental damage). As a roofer, you may include covers such as Building*, Contents*, and Portable Equipment* in your Business Insurance package.
With BizCover, you can quickly find, compare, and buy insurance for roofer contractors. We’ve made buying insurance no dramas, so you can protect your small business in no time flat! Go online now to start comparing policies and get instant coverage!
