Unlike other heritage jobs, the route into the thatching industry is rarely as simple as starting an apprenticeship straight out of secondary school. The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education only recently approved a dedicated scheme for thatchers, but it is up to employers to implement it.
The National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT) runs its own scheme in which apprentices work under an experienced NSMT member to learn the skills and knowledge required to be a competent thatcher. However, because it is not a “statutory apprenticeship” would-be thatchers have to fund it themselves.
Other routes into the profession are slightly more straightforward. Heart of England Master Thatchers, a West Midlands-based company, says: “Generally the most common way in which an individual would get started is to approach any local thatching firms and see if they are willing to take you on in an apprentice role as a trainee thatcher or labourer.
“Training to be an expert usually takes up to five years and will involve a lot of early starts, late finishes and working through the weekend where necessary.”
It is not a career for the faint of heart. Thatchers must be ready to work outdoors all year round, come rain or shine. The work is physically demanding and is obviously off-limits to anyone with a fear of heights.
“I couldn’t think of anything worse than working indoors,” says Gleeson. “I can see myself doing this until I retire.”