Organisations such as the SIG Industrial Roofing Centre (IRC) and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) provide a focal point for specialist knowledge in industrial roofing.
As we enter a period of revival in industrial roofing, encouraging new recruits is becoming more and more important.
What’s also becoming clear is that to do that we need the right facilities in place and the relevant training available so younger generations can find the mentoring and guidance they need to take up roofing as their trade. This is especially crucial now as according to a survey in 2015 by Wienerberger, 22% of our labourer workforce are over 50 and 15% are over 60.
Two organisations stepping up to the challenge are the IRC and the CITB, who between them are helping provide the necessary training to the next generation of roofers.
CITB ROOFING APPRENTICESHIPS
The CITB runs three national roofing apprenticeships that each involve 22-23 weeks of training over a two year period.
- Built-up Felt Roofing – this practical course teaches how to work with bitumen, roofing felts, surfacing and insulation materials. The training covers the use of tools and equipment, regulations and standards – in short, all the practical and theoretical knowledge you need to achieve the Built-up Felt Roofing framework and excel in this specialist trade.
- Roof Sheeting and Cladding – on this vocational course students learn how to cut, shape and fix materials including metal, plastic and cement panels to create walls and roofs. The training covers the use of single and double skin, as well as factory-assembled composite systems that include flashings, fasteners and fixings.
- Roof Slating and Tiling – can you tell your fascia from your flashing? On this course, students learn how to use plain and interlocking tiles, cement fibre slates and other materials to cover valleys, hips and general areas. The apprenticeship covers the practical techniques and theoretical knowledge you need to achieve the roof slating and tiling framework.
Apprentices spend periods between college training and on site with their employer, developing work-based skills and knowledge and earning while they learn. Some funding is also available. For more information on courses available visit www.citb.co.uk.
UPSKILLING WITH THE INDUSTRIAL ROOFING CENTRE (IRC)
The IRC consider it part of their duty to help anyone support and grow those in their team who are willing to learn. To help them do this they have one of the largest ranges of industrial roofing products in the UK. This not only means that they can help you source a particular finish or colour or profile, it also gives you access to bespoke training sessions and COSHH data information as and when required. They are completely impartial and if you want members of your team to attend an official installation course with any of their suppliers they can organise it for you.
It’s these kind of connections combined with the latest product knowledge and installation techniques that means working with the IRC helps upskill your workforce and give you the edge over the competition.
Whether your next project requires a skilled team that need some refresher training on installation methods, or you need to train a group of complete novices, give the IRC a call. They can help you source the right advice and guidance to ensure you have a skilled workforce from pricing to installation. It will save you money and time so you can concentrate on the day to day running of your business.
