M and J Group Officially Opens Roofing Training Centre

M AND J GROUP Construction and Roofing Ltd officially opened a dedicated roofing training centre at their premises in Bedford on the 18^th May 2022.

The training facility boasts numerous training rigs for both flat and pitched roof training as well as a life-size roof surrounded by scaffolding for realistic work at height training.

M and J Group Construction and Roofing has invested in the training centre in a bid to attract new talent into the company, as well as industry at large and tackle the widespread skills shortage in the roofing sector.

The company is working with local schools and Bedford College to provide work experience placements, attract school leavers and older candidates and provide them with an introduction to roofing.

Next Generation of Roofers

Jack Henrickson, M and J Managing Director said, “We are supporting the next generation of roofers, giving young people the opportunity to gain roofing experience and develop a rewarding career. In this way we are addressing the substantial numbers in the workforce who are about to retire and leave the industry and exacerbate the already existing skills shortage. We can offer a guaranteed job at the end of the training for those that have a good attitude and want to learn a trade that will provide them with a career for life.”

M and J Group has operated its own training facility for several years, but after its recent expansion the firm was forced to postpone its official opening due to the pandemic. However, that hasn’t stopped the company driving forwards with its training offer and the M and J Group delivered 900 courses last year for 200 trainees. The centre is supported by several roofing manufacturers who are providing materials, as well as the NFRC, and several local organisations including the Harpur Trust which is linking with M and J Group to support and promote educational opportunities for local people.

In small groups of eight trainees, M and J recruits will have a half day induction before spending two weeks onsite and two weeks in the centre allowing them to get a taste of roofing and gain an understanding of all that a career in roofing has to offer.

M and J Group then offer a two-year training program in either flat or pitched roofing that includes several short duration courses, on the job training and experience. The business is also working towards being able to offer NVQ2 and Roofing Standard qualifications from next year.

>> Read more about roofing training centres in the news.