The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has announced the launch and completion of a new programme designed to recognise the contribution of manufacturers in delivering training for the first time.
The Basic Competency Programme (BCP) is a roofing industry-led initiative bringing together a number of trade associations to acknowledge the training provided by manufacturers in the use of their materials to satisfy the requirements of the red, experienced worker CSCS card. The programme supports training, competencies and qualifications via approved BCP manufacturer training in flat, metal and pitched roofing.
Competencies for the BCP have been mapped against the requirements of NVQ level 2, ensuring health and safety and basic roof technology is addressed to the required standard.
The BCP, which is being led by LRWA working with Polyroof Products, is supported by the CSCS, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and major roof trade associations.
Having obtained a BCP Certificate, an operative can then apply to upgrade from a green card to a red, experienced worker CSCS card with immediate effect assuming their standard health and safety accreditation is up to date. The operative should then work towards achieving a blue skilled worker card within three years.
The first candidates to complete the BCP were from Telnik Roofing, based in Aylesbury, who were presented with their certificates by David Hanson MP, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the roofing industry, at the Houses of Parliament.
Held at Polyroof’s recently upgraded training facilities in Flint, North Wales, the extended course lasted three days and covered the full spectrum of liquid roofing as well as wider subjects, such as contract planning.
Nick Seaton, managing director of Telnik Roofing, said: “Contractors like us who use accredited roofing systems know that the leading manufacturers offer excellent training and support, which we’ve always used to help get our operatives to the standards of workmanship and professionalism that our client’s expect.
“After expanding our operative team with some experienced new members, I contacted Polyroof to get training organised. When I was presented with the opportunity to be a part of this pilot scheme incorporating the BCP, I leapt at the chance – we spent a little longer on the course, but to have everyone come away their certificates is a huge boost for the operatives and our company as a whole.”
David Hanson said: “It was a pleasure to present the first ever BCP Certificates for this pioneering training programme. It’s fantastic that Polyroof, a company within my own Delyn constituency, was responsible for conducting the training and let’s hope that many more roofers can benefit from it in the future.”
After the success of the very first BCP training at Polyroof, LRWA is now expanding this pilot scheme to a further ten manufacturers and has targeted the issuing of over 100 Basic Competency certificates by the end of the year.
Terry Wain, technical secretary of the LRWA, said: “We believe this is the most exciting development in training for the last ten years. I am delighted with the success of the pilot scheme and the level of commitment being shown to BCP by the leading liquid manufacturers”.
