The Apprentice’s View: Piran at Western Flat Roofing Shares His Roofing Apprenticeship Experience

THIS WEEK IS National Apprenticeship Week and Roofing Today spoke to Piran, a recently qualified flat roofing apprentice at Western Flat Roofing.

Western Flat Roofing is a family-owned business located in the heart of Cornwall, in St Columb Major and enjoys an excellent reputation in the region.

Specialising in flat roofing for commercial and industrial customers, the business employs a growing team of around 40.

Here, Piran shares his experience of his recently completed Roofing Apprenticeship with the company.

“Becoming an Apprentice Flat Roofer was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m so proud of passing my apprenticeship after two years with Western Flat Roofing. The business and its team couldn’t have been more helpful in getting me started in my chosen career and supporting me throughout.

“I’ve learned so much from the people I work beside – they are always happy to pass on their years of knowledge and experience. I also got time off to study so I’ve gained practical skills from very experienced roofers and teachers while earning a wage and now I have a qualification under my belt. It hasn’t all been easy, but I think the sense of achievement is all the greater for that.

Part of a Team

“It’s been terrific to be part of a team and to have the camaraderie at work. It helped to put me at ease at the beginning when I didn’t know anything and helped to grow my confidence in my abilities and progress.

“One of the things I love most about the job is seeing new places. We have been to so many different locations – from commercial buildings with Cornish sea views to residential properties. I also really enjoy the variety. There’s no such thing as an average day in this job. Every day is different but it’s always full on, going to the yard in the morning to get set up with materials and machinery, then straight off to site.

“If you like the outdoors and are interested in learning a trade, I’d say give roofing a go. Jump straight in – you won’t know you like it until you try.”

Charles, director of Western Flat Roofing, also talked to Roofing Today about his experience of employing a roofing apprentice. Read Charles’ perspective here.

>> Read more about apprenticeships in the news