Cambridge Roof Exchange Ltd (CRE) is a specialist commercial and industrial roofing contractor delivering high-quality roofing, refurbishment, maintenance and repair solutions across the UK. Working with a wide range of clients across the commercial, industrial, public sector and education markets, CRE has built a reputation for technical expertise, responsive service and a commitment to delivering safe, durable and cost-effective roofing solutions.
Our team combines practical roofing knowledge with professional surveying, project management and health and safety standards to provide clients with comprehensive roofing services throughout the lifecycle of their assets. From condition surveys and planned maintenance programmes through to large-scale refurbishment and replacement projects, CRE takes pride in delivering quality workmanship and exceptional customer service.
As a growing business, we are committed to investing in the next generation of roofing professionals. We provide structured training, hands‑on experience and career development opportunities, enabling motivated individuals to build long-term careers within the roofing and construction industry.
Role Overview
This is an entry-level trainee role within a commercial roofing contractor, designed for an enthusiastic individual looking to develop a long-term career in the roofing industry. The successful candidate will work alongside experienced roofers, surveyors and estimators, gaining practical experience in roofing installation, repairs, maintenance, site surveying, defect identification and estimating.
The role combines hands‑on site work with the development of technical and commercial knowledge, providing a clear pathway into a skilled roofing, surveying and project delivery career within a growing specialist contractor.
Reports to: Specialist Works Manager
Location / Travel: Comberton, Cambridge. The role requires travel between CRE project sites nationally. A driving license is not required initially, but a willingness to complete it while training is desirable.
Hours of work: 40 hours per week. Standard hours are 07:30-16:00 Mon-Fri, including a 30 minute unpaid lunch break, but will be subject to site requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Assist experienced roofers with the installation, repair and maintenance of industrial and commercial roofing systems. Learn correct installation methods, repair techniques and safe working practices across a range of roofing systems.
Site surveying
Accompany senior operatives during on‑site inspections and condition surveys of commercial and industrial properties. Assist with identifying defects, assessing roof conditions and recording findings across profiled metal, flat and built‑up roof systems.
Carry out minor roofing repairs and maintenance works under supervision, including sealant application, minor flashing repairs, replacing fixings, gutter maintenance and surface treatments.
Documentation
Assist with site photography, defect logging, measurements and report writing. Learn how to produce clear and accurate survey records that support recommendations, quotations and project planning.
Work alongside the estimating team to understand quantity take‑offs, material scheduling, labour pricing and the preparation of scopes of work and quotations using company systems and templates.
Learn the safe use of roofing tools, access equipment and materials, ensuring they are handled, stored and maintained correctly.
Health & Safety
Work in accordance with CRE's health and safety management system, including CDM 2015 procedures, site‑specific RAMS, Working at Height Regulations 2005 and safe MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) operation. Attend toolbox talks, site inductions and training sessions as required by the company to develop safe working practices.
Training
Cambridge Roof Exchange is very proactive in training staff and onsite operatives. All training necessary to complete tasks safely and professionally will be provided, and progress will be tracked against CRE's training and competence matrix.
What You'll Learn
Roofing systems
All Profiled metal roofing and wall cladding, built‑up felt and single‑ply membranes (EPDM, PVC) and associated roofing products.
Gutters & rainwater systems
Industrial gutter maintenance including gravity and siphonic systems, gutter refurbishment and replacement.
Defect recognition
Cut‑edge corrosion, roof sheet deterioration, failed flashings, membrane defects, water ingress, blocked gutters, drainage issues and other common roofing failures.
Sealants, liquid coatings, membranes, gutter liners, roof lights, fixings, insulation systems and weatherproofing solutions.
Surveying & estimating
Roof inspections, condition reporting, quantity take‑offs, scope writing, material pricing and commercial quotation preparation.
Personal Specification
Right to work: Evidence of right to work in the UK
Age / statutory duties: Minimum age 18
Driving licence Full: valid UK driving licence (multi-site travel required).
Physical fitness: Fit to work at height and undertake physically demanding site‑based tasks, subject to occupational health screening where required
CSCS card: Willingness to obtain a CSCS card within probationary period Existing CSCS card (Labourer or Trainee card)
Qualifications GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths, or willingness to work towards Construction‑related qualification (e.g. Level 1/2 in Roofing, Construction Skills)
Experience: None required. Full training provided Prior site-based or trade experience
H&S awareness: Willingness to complete site induction, toolbox talks and WAH/MEWP training as directed CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test pass
Attitude & aptitude: Reliable, punctual, willing to learn, works well under supervision Interest in pursuing NVQ Level 2/3 in roofing or surveying
CRE positions this trainee role above National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage as a deliberate USP to attract and retain the right calibre of candidate, recognising that the roofing trade competes for entrants against other construction disciplines:
- 21 and over: £13.98 per hour
- 18 to 20: £11.93 per hour
Rates progress automatically as the successful candidate moves into the next statutory age band and are reviewed annually each April in line with NMW/NLW changes. Rates may be reviewed further ahead of the annual cycle in line with skills, competence and milestones achieved. See Career Progression below.
This role is structured as a genuine long‑term career pathway, not a static entry‑level position. Progression is milestone‑based and tied to CRE's training and competence matrix:
- Trainee (Year 1): site induction, WAH/MEWP competency training (once eligible), CSCS card, foundation roofing and survey skills, on‑site experience.
- Developing Surveyor/Technician (Year 1–2): independent minor repairs, supervised survey and defect reporting, progress towards NVQ Level 2
- Roofing Surveyor & Technician (Year 2–3+): independent condition surveys, estimating support, NVQ Level 3, defined route to Surveyor or Estimator roles
Pay reviews are aligned to these milestones rather than tenure alone, so capability and speed of development directly influence progression.
Cambridge Roof Exchange Ltd is committed to equal opportunities in employment. All applicants will be considered on merit, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
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