North West Roof Training Group Rolls Out ‘Routes to Roofs’

UNDERSTANDING that a major concern for contractors in the region is managing costs and payroll, the ability to find and retain an adequate number of qualified workers comes second by a whisker in the North West.

‘Routes to Roofs’ has now been launched and is ready to present the roofing industry to schools and colleges across the area.

‘Routes to Roofs’

Sue Wharton, Group Training Officer who is driving this initiative, said: “It’s hoped that barriers will be broken down, perceptions changed, and students able to see that work in the roofing industry is not dominated solely by males working at height.

“All role opportunities are highlighted, including practical installation through to admin support, supervisory, technical, leadership and management.”

The brand-new exhibition stand was rolled out at the recent Ex-Forces Insight Day at Coleg Cambria in North Wales and attracted favourable comments. Dates are already booked by two North West High Schools.

Brand-New Institute of Roofing Training Course

The NWRTG is proud to be ‘in at the start’ of the new Institute of Roofing Associate Course for those moving into supervisory, management and leadership roles in the roofing industry. This is the first IoR Course the Group has organised on behalf of the Institute since 2012.

NWRTG has a fully subscribed course starting on 21 November at a venue in Preston South. There are five classroom dates every two weeks as well as self-study amounting to some 50 hours over the duration of the course. Even better for delegates – 50% of the course fee is being funded by CITB following a successful bid by the Group Training Officer in Spring this year.

Built Up Felt Roofing Apprenticeships

Built Up Felt Roofing Apprenticeships will be available in 2019, with a start date already set of 11 February. Just a few places are now left on this traditional apprenticeship which is to take place in the DMR Roofing Academy, Wigan.

And finally … NWRTG has had a few questions about the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment Route, which was highlighted in the last edition of Roofing Today.

Some responses suggested this is a ‘dumbed down’ version of the route to NVQ2.

However, the EWPA assessment is a rigorous and demanding process designed for very experienced workers who have proven knowledge and experience and require no additional training.

Once this is established, a profiling meeting takes place with an Assessor, and providing they also agree the candidate is suitable for EWPA, a grueling ten-hour day of assessment takes place examining the candidate’s technical knowledge of methods and standards.

This route offers a formal recognition of already existing expertise and knowledge.