Roofers – Keep Looking Upwards: Offers of Support

Denise Cherry, Yorkshire Roof Training Group manager, has instigated a positive response to Avonside’s demise coordinating offers of support to those employees affected and encouraging others to extend help where they can.

This has been a difficult week for many of our roofing colleagues who have found themselves potentially without wages or work – but what a response from our industry partners!

From the moment the news broke that the UK’s largest roofing company faced insolvency with resulting job losses, the mighty roofing industry machine kicked into action and rallied round to offer opportunities to those faced with redundancy or loss of contracts.

Social media is flooded with offers of positions from across the country, from large and small businesses, across multiple disciplines. On one Facebook group alone, there were at least 25 posts offering work opportunities to those affected by Avonside’s insolvency.

Skilled workers in roofing are an asset to any business and it is possible that many of the displaced individuals will find work within days.  LinkedIn also saw a large number of posts offering a variety of job roles.

Appeal for Support

This is an appeal to keep the offers coming wherever possible, lets continue with the support.

One of the ways we can support colleagues (alongside job opportunities) is to offer individual advice and support for anyone who does not immediately find work, and this could take the form of CV development, career planning and training support.

Offers of Support

NCTS/MasterRoofers (both centres in Manchester and Hoddeson, Herts) have offered discounts on courses booked by anyone affected by this week’s events.

The contact details for NCTS/Master Roofers are:

Both centres can be contacted on 01992 801914 8.30am-5pm Email: training@ncts.org.uk

Roof Training Group Support

Yorkshire Roof Training Group can offer people in Yorkshire advice on careers, and advise on a range of funded courses available, including NVQs, SSSTS, SMSTS, and accessible e-learning courses from just £5. Contact Denise Cherry on 07971 232 645 or email: denise@yirtg.org.uk

North West Roof Training Group can support with advice on training opportunities. Contact Sue Wharton on 07801 278282 email: nwrooftraining@gmail.com

The Wales National Roof Training Group can help individuals look for alternative employment and help with gaining CSCS cards. Lesley Hughes can be contacted by email: lesley.hughes@wnrtg.co.uk

The Midlands Roof Training Group can also help by putting roofing jobseekers in touch with its member companies with opportunities for skilled labourer and roofers. Kate Bonsor can be contacted on 07789 961840 or email: kate@midlandrooftraining.co.uk

Jobseekers in other regions can find the Roof Training Groups in their areas via the National Roof Training Group page which lists details.

The Construction Talent Retention Scheme is a website where employers can advertise jobs and people who find themselves out of work can say that they need work.

>>View roofing job vacancies here