SPV Group Appeals for Support to Continue Vital Industry Roofing Training

THE LONG-STANDING SKILLS GAP in the roofing industry has been well recognised in the industry.

The average age of a construction worker is 54 years old, and it’s well known that young people aren’t drawn to a career in construction, particularly roofing.

If nothing is done to change this, we will not have the workforce to build and deliver the construction projects this country needs – a very concerning thought.

Addressing the Skills Gap

SPV Group and Juniper Training have collaborated to directly address the acute skills shortage in the industry by recruiting new entrants and engaging the next generation in training for a career in construction.

Following a successful launch in August 2019, SPV Group has now delivered two extremely successful, 24-week Construction Pathway courses. Despite Covid-19 having a significant effect on the second cohort, the company has still ensured that 20 young people have entered the industry. SPV Group has trained another 20 16-18-year-olds and is starting the third cohort in early September

Construction Pathway Training

The Construction Pathway course is the most popular of all of Juniper’s current courses at their Walsall Training centre. With SPV Group celebrating 20 years in business in 2021, their Training Centre is a key part of the company’s future, contributing to the sustainability of the industry as a whole. The success of the Construction Pathway training offered shows there is a demand for the firm’s provision.

Funding for Roofing Training

Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the training of the second cohort, which had to engage with some of the course virtually. Even more devastatingly, it has affected the funding secured from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), which is currently suspended.

Kate Whately, Director of SPV Group says, “We completely appreciate that the CITB are having to make huge cutbacks and their revenue has decreased significantly, but this funding was so incredibly essential for us to sustain the programme, ensuring we source high quality materials for the students to work on and enabling them to get the best start into the industry. This was not only hugely disappointing to us, but also to the industry, which needs more young people to be recruited to ensure our long-term success.”

SPV Group and Juniper Training have both invested their own funds to get the Walsall Training Centre up and running but without continuing support, there are concerns that the provision may be affected.

Industry Support

Kate adds, “We have had a tremendous amount of support from both manufacturers and contractors within the industry with offers of training, materials and jobs. We are so thankful for everyone who has supported us to date, but we need this support now more than ever before.”

“If anyone is able to assist or support this initiative, which has a proven track record of having a huge impact on the industry already, please contact us.”

SPV Group can be contacted here.

Student testimonials

“I was struggling with some personal issued over lockdown and I was very grateful that SPV and Juniper stuck by me and gave me additional support to deal with my home life and college work so I didn’t fall behind. The theory side of the course can be a little overwhelming at times, however the practical side outweigh this. I would tell the next group of students due to start shortly to stick at it and complete the course as it will be worth it in the end. This course has completely changed my perspective on roofing and has given me the knowledge I need to make it my career.”

“I spent two years at college studying electrical installation and didn’t get any practical experience. Having completed the 24 week Construction Pathway course, I feel I now know far more about roofing than I do electrics. This is an extremely enjoyable and informative course.”