The National Society of Master Thatchers runs an Apprentice Scheme which is supported by our mentoring scheme.
Apprentices need to be employed by an experienced NSMT member who will train them to have the skills and knowledge required to be a competent thatcher. Training is carried out on site, so the apprentice will be taught about site Health and Safety.
To become an NSMT Thatching apprentice you will need to be 16 + and, once enrolled you will be working towards an NVQ in thatching.
Each apprentice is allocated a mentor from the NSMT who, along with their Master, will supervise their work and help compile a portfolio to record the various elements of their work, skills and health and safety training. Looking towards the future and working with other thatching firms, apprentices will find this training record very helpful, as will their prospective employers.
At the end of training a Certificate of Completion is awarded and work can be assessed for an NVQ – L2 QUE 842, after which, work may be continued towards achieving an NVQ L3 – QUP 870.
To find out which NSMT thatchers may be able to offer apprenticeships in your area, please refer to Find A Thatcher on our website and type in your postcode to generate contact details for thatchers nearby.
Please note that this is not a ‘statutory apprenticeship’ and is self-funded.
