With the industry suffering from a lack in skilled workers, Cembrit is helping to educate the ‘roofers of the future’ by donating roofing materials to Leeds College of Building for the Roof Slating and Tiling apprenticeship scheme.
Cembrit has contributed approximately 1,000 Westerland fibre cement slates, 600 Glendyne natural slates and 120 angled ridges to help deliver valuable roofing training to the apprentices. The materials are used to train the apprentices to measure, cut and correctly install roof slates and accessories. This level of training sets the students in good stead for entering into the roofing industry.
Chris Messenger, lecturer at Leeds College of Building, said: “We are very grateful to Cembrit for the fantastic support that they have provided us.
“Roof slating is a difficult and expensive skill to master, so having the Cembrit slates to practice on is invaluable. This method of teaching has proven successful, with past apprentices being recognised at Skillbuild. We consider ourselves to be a centre of excellence in roof training in Britain and have won several accolades. None of this would be possible without the support of Cembrit.”
Established in 1960, Leeds College of Building offers courses related to construction and the built environment including apprenticeships, further and higher education and business training. The Roof Slating and Tiling apprenticeship trains students in key roofing skills, including measuring, marking, grading, cutting, positioning, installing, securing and finishing the slates.
Ged Ferris, marketing manager at Cembrit, added: “At Cembrit, we understand the importance of developing skills at college level, and support CITB where we can.
“We have received great feedback from the lecturers and students, and are delighted to make a small contribution towards the future skills base of UK roofing.”
