Raise the Roof Calls for More Engagement with Schools on Careers

RAISE THE ROOF called for more engagement with schools to promote roofing as a career and is inviting anyone interested to get in touch to receive resources.

Hosting an informative session focused on inspiring the next generation of roofers, the Raise the Roof panel spoke at trade show, UKCW 2025 on 1 October.

The session was chaired by Kate Whatley of SPV Training with panellists Denise Cherry of the Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group (YIRTG), Mel Candela of Juniper Training and Ginny Brown of Restec. All of the panellists are active members and contributors to EDI group Raise the Roof.

Raise the Roof is a group of likeminded individuals who are committed to working together to support the principles of equality and progression in roofing.

Our mission is to create a more inclusive, supportive and skilled roofing industry and empower people through education and support.

Engaging with Schools

The first well-attended session considered the roofing industry’s engagement with schools, the barriers to going into schools, common misconceptions of students about roofing, and gave tips and support for those considering visiting or engaging with their local schools.

Key take aways were the need for greater collaboration, access to the right resources, the importance of demonstrating social value and the need for schools and industry to work together more.

Ginny commented that we are all aware of the skills shortage and an ageing workforce and we need diverse young people to enter and push the industry forward.

She pointed out that the construction sector needs 45,000-50,000 new workers annually to meet demand with the rate of people leaving the roofing and cladding sector. This in the context of CITB’s estimate that 250,000 new construction workers will be needed by 2028.

Improving Productivity

Kate focused on the need to improve productivity to help offset worker shortages and promote roofing as a career of choice, as well as discussing the importance of demonstrating social value, real action and the bigger picture that everyone has a part to play in to make a real difference.

Resources

Denise spoke about recent school experiences and how she has changed her approach with young people over the years and the frustration of lack of awareness and understanding as to the specialism and skill to our trade. Denise also highlighted resources she has developed to share with industry and other collaborators, including mini rigs and booklets to take into schools.

Mel spoke about her experiences in schools and a recent successful visit in collaboration with SPV and an apprentice. She spoke about the success of Juniper’s achievements with over 200 students having completed their Level One qualification; 60% progressing onto apprenticeships in roofing; and over 90% progressing onto further employment in the construction sector

Mel considered how Juniper is promoting roofing careers building a perception of them as modern and exciting, and how their recent collaboration with Immersive Industry Experience and the NFRC has resulted in some incredible virtual reality footage and resources to take into schools, which she anticipates will be extremely well received.

Ginny spoke about her experience of being inspired by a visit to Juniper Training to support the apprentices, which then encouraged her to engage with and visit a local primary school to talk with the children and provide a practical demonstration. She also stressed the importance of engaging with young people as early as possible to make them aware of the industry, the opportunities available and avoid any misconceptions.

Aspirations

The session ended with top tips from the panellists and a call to action for anyone considering engaging with their local schools – the rewards far outweigh any apprehension – and ended with a question for everyone to consider from the Chair: ‘what can we do collectively as an industry to make careers in roofing not just an option but an aspiration?’

Kate and Denise invited anyone who is interested in the resources for school visits to get in touch and would be more than pleased to offer support and advice for anyone who would be interested.

>> Read more about Raise the Roof in the news