Slater – Occupation Information

Introduction

A Slater is a specialised roofing tradesperson who installs, repairs, and maintains slate roofing systems using natural stone tiles.

They work on residential, commercial, and heritage buildings, ensuring roofs are durable, weather-resistant, and visually consistent.

Slaters carry out tasks such as cutting, shaping, positioning, and fixing slate tiles, along with repairing damaged sections and maintaining existing roofing structures.

This role requires precision, craftsmanship, and strong knowledge of roofing methods, especially when working with traditional and natural materials.

Types of Slating Work

Slaters may specialise depending on project type and complexity.

Common types include:

Slate Roof Installation
Slate Roof Repairs and Maintenance
Heritage and Restoration Work
Specialist Slate Applications

1. Slate Roof Installation

This involves installing new slate roofing systems.

Work Scope

Work Type	Description
Roof Preparation	Preparing the structure and base
Slate Cutting	Shaping tiles to required sizes
Tile Installation	Fixing slate tiles securely
Waterproofing	Ensuring proper sealing and drainage

2. Slate Roof Repairs and Maintenance

This focuses on maintaining and repairing existing slate roofs.

Work Scope

Work Type	Description
Tile Replacement	Replacing broken or missing slates
Leak Repairs	Fixing water entry points
Routine Maintenance	Inspecting and servicing roofs
Structural Checks	Assessing overall roof condition

3. Heritage and Restoration Work

This includes work on older or protected structures.

Work Scope

Work Type	Description
Roof Restoration	Preserving original roofing systems
Material Matching	Using compatible slate types
Detail Work	Maintaining traditional designs
Compliance Work	Meeting heritage requirements

4. Specialist Slate Applications

This involves advanced or decorative slate work.

Work Scope

Work Type	Description
Decorative Roofing	Creating custom slate patterns
Slate Cladding	Applying slate to walls
Architectural Features	Designing unique elements
Precision Work	Complex installations

State and Territory Licensing Authorities

Slating work is part of the roofing and construction sector, and licensing may be required depending on the project scope.

State / Territory	Licensing Authority	Requirement	Website
New South Wales	Fair Trading NSW	Licence required for roofing work	https://www.nsw.gov.au
Victoria	Victorian Building Authority	Registration/licence required	https://www.vba.vic.gov.au
Queensland	QBCC	Licence required	https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au
South Australia	Consumer and Business Services	Contractor licence required	https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au
Western Australia	Building and Energy	Registration/licence may apply	https://www.wa.gov.au
Tasmania	CBOS	Licensing may apply	https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory	Access Canberra	Licence required for building work	https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Northern Territory	NT Government	Licensing may apply	https://nt.gov.au

Training and Qualification Requirements

Slaters gain skills through roofing training and hands-on experience.

Primary Qualification

Qualification	Description
Certificate III in Roofing or Roof Plumbing	Core trade qualification
Apprenticeship (3–4 years)	Practical training pathway
White Card	Required for construction sites
Specialised Slate Training	Advanced skills in slate work

Key Training Areas

Slate cutting and shaping techniques
Roofing installation methods
Waterproofing and drainage
Working safely at heights
Reading plans and measurements
Use of specialised tools

Industry Experience

Hands-on experience is essential in slating.

Typical experience includes:

Installing slate roofing systems
Repairing and restoring slate roofs
Working with natural stone materials
Using specialised slating tools
Completing detailed and precision-based work

Experience ensures accuracy, durability, and high-quality finishes.

Compliance and Industry Regulations

Slaters must follow construction and safety requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

Installing roofing systems according to building standards
Ensuring proper waterproofing and drainage
Following safety procedures when working at heights
Using appropriate materials and methods
Meeting project specifications

Compliance and Penalties

Failure to comply may result in:

Roof leaks or structural issues
Safety hazards
Legal penalties and fines
Increased repair costs
Non-compliance with building standards

Where to Verify a Licence or Registration

State / Territory	Authority	Verification Link
New South Wales	Licence Check NSW	https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au
Victoria	VBA Practitioner Search	https://www.vba.vic.gov.au
Queensland	QBCC Licence Search	https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au
Western Australia	WA Government	https://www.wa.gov.au
South Australia	CBS Licence Register	https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au
Tasmania	CBOS Licence Search	https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory	Access Canberra	https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Northern Territory	NT Government	https://nt.gov.au

Career Roles in Slating

Slater
Roof Slater
Roofing Specialist
Heritage Roofing Specialist
Roofing Contractor

Job Outlook and Salary

Experience Level	Average Salary
Entry-Level	$55,000 – $70,000
Experienced	$70,000 – $95,000
Senior / Specialist	$95,000 – $130,000+

Demand is driven by roofing projects, heritage restoration, and specialised construction work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a slater do?
A slater installs and repairs roofing systems using slate tiles.

Is slating a specialised trade?
Yes, it requires specific skills for working with natural slate materials.

Do slaters need a licence?
Licensing may be required depending on the type of roofing work.

Where do slaters work?
They work on residential, commercial, and heritage buildings.