Record Number of First Year Roofing Apprentices for Leeds College of Building

THIS YEAR, Leeds College of Building’s (LCB) roofing department has seen a surge in the amount of first year apprentices applying for its course.

Following a request to accept roofing apprentices from all over the UK, the department took on 54 new students – a record for the college. LCB roofing lecturer, Chris Messenger said the intake has resulted in training resources being “stretched to the limit.”

The roofing division relies on the help of its sponsors to provide the materials needed for its apprentices to be able to get the best possible training to begin their careers.

Luckily, sponsors have stepped up their games following the intake spike with Redland and Sandtoft/Wienerberger all donating 24 pallets of roofing tiles and CPD sessions donated by Klober, Marley Eternit and CUPA PIZARRAS to advise on industry best practices.

Record Number of First Year Roofing Apprentices

Intakes of 18 apprentices will be introduced to the roofing course, staggered over three weeks. CITB have funded the keen roofers’ expenses based on the college’s NFRC bid to become a centre of excellence.

Roofing Lecturer, Chris Messenger, said: “We are the only college that can offer these kinds of facilities for roofing apprentices. The first intake has adapted to life in Leeds already and are finding the College’s roofing department second-to-none. The feedback we’ve received so far is brilliant and we’re looking forward to seeing what the next intake holds in store.

“All this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our networking partners who have provided us with all the materials we need to be able to give our apprentices the best start.

“Demand for the roofing apprentice course is so high that we have introduced a waiting list for future students. We’re glad that the course is regarded so highly within the industry and hope that the number of applicants remains high.”

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