NFRC Scotland Builds on School Skills Demonstrations with 2025 Programme

FOLLOWING the continued success of in-school skills demonstrations in 2024, National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) Scotland is expanding its education programme in 2025.

NFRC is encouraged to see so many young individuals show a keen interest in learning roofing skills, like slate cutting, dressing, and laying slates on roofing rigs.

Collaborating with other trades to provide a range of activities at skills demonstrations gives students a real taste for the various disciplines open to them within construction.

School Skills Demonstrations

NFRC is dedicated to working across the sector to solve the skills crisis which impacts all industries.

The recent introduction of a single-ply roofing activity into school demonstrations has already been well received.

With the essential help of NFRC Members Compass Roofing Ltd, Prime Roof Solutions, Taylor Roofings, Briggs Amasco, Pinnacle Roofing Specialists, Sika, Bauder, and Kerr Roofing & Building (Ayr), they have offered hands-on experiences that give students a practical and genuine taste of what careers in construction look like.

Scott Miller, NFRC Board Member, NFRC Board Member, NFRC Scotland Regional Chairman and Managing Director at Compass Roofing Ltd, said: “Our efforts to promote the diverse careers in construction have continued to grow from strength to strength.

“We are partnering with local authorities to create a clear construction pathway for students interested in pursuing careers with great pay and opportunities.

“2025 promises to be another hugely busy year for the NFRC in Scotland with numerous high-profile events planned and we thank everyone who supports these events, especially the Supplier Members who sponsor the events.

“We have continued to strengthen our relationships with key decision-makers at the Scottish Parliament and local authorities and are excited to see a host of new programmes start to bear fruit.”

2025 Programme

Organised for 2025 so far (with many more in the pipeline) are:

• The first skills demonstration is set for Kelso High School on 22 January.
• In February, the skills demonstration programme is expanding to South Ayrshire with the first event happening at Prestwick Academy.
• NFRC will deliver a skills demonstration at The Scottish National Apprenticeship show at SEC Glasgow on 4 and 5 March.
• NFRC will host a skills demonstration on the lawns of Scottish Parliament on 14 and 15 May.
• A reception, titled “A Blueprint for Scotland’s Emerging Construction Talent” will be held at Scottish Parliament on 3 June.
• NFRC will have a training rig set up at the Royal Highland Show, 19 to 22 June, giving people the chance to dress a slate and fix it to a rig. Young people will be able to discuss roofing career opportunities while home and estate owners will get free advice on how to repair and maintain their roofs.

To become involved in NFRC Scotland events, contact the Scotland Regional Manager, John McKinney johnmckinney@nfrc.co.uk, who can discuss options.

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