The Director’s View: Charles at Western Flat Roofing Shares His Experience of Employing a Roofing Apprentice

CHARLES SHAZELL is a director of Western Flat Roofing, a family-owned business located in the heart of Cornwall, in St Columb Major which enjoys an excellent reputation in the region.

Specialising in flat roofing for commercial and industrial customers, the business employs a growing team of around 40.

Charles said: “Western Flat Roofing currently has two apprentice roofers learning the ropes from highly skilled colleagues who have been in the industry for 20+ years. This, alongside their dedicated college days, is creating a well-rounded training experience that is practical as well as theory-based.

“We are proud to have built a unique apprenticeship scheme which allows us to provide the next generation with skilled employment opportunities.

On-the-Job Skills

“We see apprenticeships as a hugely important way for young people to gain essential on-the-job skills and learn about the full breadth of flat roofing systems from felt to single ply, green roofs to hot melt.

“As an approved contractor for numerous industry leading manufacturers, such as Garland, Kingspan and Sika, the company is in a very good position to be able to give apprentices the chance to work with a range of high-quality products.

Training

“Training your staff can be costly in both time and money, however investing in your team is also great for business development. We have been in business for 55 years, so we are confident that our approach to employees, as well as clients, is sound.

“Giving your employees the opportunity to gain certifications on the job, complete qualifications such as apprenticeships as well as receive non-formal training in the form of continuous professional development (CPD) means that they will be a valuable addition to your business.

“Our apprentices are a valuable asset and, from a director’s perspective, it is always a pleasure to watch them grow. In an industry like ours, where so many decisions you make are based on experience, a blended way of learning is the perfect way to approach a qualification. This method also allows young people to learn important life lessons, start managing their own money and create lasting professional relationships from the get-go.”

Piran, an apprentice at Western Flat Roofing, also talked to Roofing Today about his roofing apprenticeship experience. Read Piran’s perspective here.

>> Read more about apprenticeships in the news