Roofing Centre of Excellence Opens at Exeter College

EXETER COLLEGE opened its brand-new Construction Innovation Centre and Roofing Centre of Excellence on 17 June in Sowton, Exeter.

Colin McCorquodale, National President of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), was on hand to mark the occasion with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The college has expanded its roofing provision following ‘exponential’ growth in demand for construction programmes. It says the hope is that the young people completing these courses will create a regional generation of ‘superstar roofers’ who will contribute to the industry.

Roofing Centre of Excellence 

Dave O’Connor, Head of Faculty for Construction, commented: “We began occupying the Construction Innovation Centre in January, and by February, it was already buzzing with our Site Carpentry apprentices. In April, we proudly launched our new Roofing Apprenticeship in Slating and Tiling, made possible in large part by the appointment of Steve Dowell as a Work Based Tutor. His expertise, enthusiasm, and industry connections have already made a significant impact.

“A special thanks as well to Luke Hurlock and Mike Armitage, our Curriculum Area Managers, whose valuable input helped turn this vision into reality. The future of construction at Exeter College is looking incredibly bright.”

Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Partnerships and Apprenticeships at Exeter College, added: “Exeter College delivers a huge range of construction programmes and to ensure that we meet the full needs of our employers, it was an obvious choice to pick roofing as the next one that we add to our portfolio.

“Now students can go from damp proofing right the way up to roofing and everything in between.

“There is a high level of skill within the industry that needs to be taught, so it doesn’t become a dying trade, and we’re delighted that we can be seen as a Centre of Excellence in the South West.

“We’ve got huge employer support, every employer that’s linked to Exeter College is giving us time, giving us resources and materials, which is a brilliant way to support the excellent team that deliver our training.”

SkillBuild Regional Heat

Following the grand opening, the centre was also host to a SkillBuild UK Roof Slating and Tiling Regional Heat.

SkillBuild’s Roof Slating and Tiling competition, in partnership with NFRC, provides aspiring roofers with a platform to showcase their skills, precision, and craftsmanship. Six competitors went head to head in the new centre, with materials supplied by SIG Roofing, Glidevale Protect, and SR Timber Ltd.

The regional heats for SkillBuild’s Roof Slating and Tiling contest are currently taking place across the UK until 1 July 2025. The top eight highest-scoring competitors in each skill category will then go on to compete at the SkillBuild National Final later this year.

Colin McCorquodale added: “The biggest single challenge facing this industry is a skills gap. That’s why it’s even more pleasing to see the demand from facilities like Exeter College’s Construction Innovation Centre, where roofers of the future can receive expert training and guidance to set them on the right path for their future careers. I wish them the very best of luck.”

For more information on apprenticeships at Exeter College, contact the Apprenticeship Team on 01392 400800 or email Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk.

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