The City of Edinburgh Council is leading a pilot National 5 qualification in Creative Industries Roof Slating. Five schools across Scotland this academic year are participating.
This is being supported by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and other industry partners, including Education Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Historic Environment Scotland.
According to a statement, the course is offering students a term of a hands-on introduction to roofing that builds on almost a decade of construction Skills Demonstrations.
The statement added that the significance of this initiative has been acknowledged in the Scottish Parliament, where a motion, S6M-16759, commended the creation of new construction pathways that help young people make informed career choices.
Students use purpose-built roofing rigs to learn the core elements of roof slating, tool handling and material knowledge. They document their progress digitally rather than with traditional exams.
Lewis Miller, company director at Compass Roofing Ltd, handles tutoring for the courses, with four half day sessions and one full day session a week across the following schools:
- Portobello High (Edinburgh)
- Castlebrae High (Edinburgh)
- Wester Hailles High (Edinburgh) full day
- Stirling High (Stirling)
- Balfron High School (Glasgow)
Lewis said: “I hope the course will open a door to students who wish to pursue a career in roofing, or in any trade that will help close the skills gap in the industry.”
Scott Miller, managing director of Compass Roofing Ltd and NFRC Scotland chair and NFRC Board member, said the practical approach of the Skills Demonstrations and National 5 Courses are already yielding results.
He added: “We’ve seen students go from trying out a demonstration to joining local firms full-time. That direct transition into apprenticeships shows the real power of hands-on learning.”
Though the course is primarily focused on slating, other disciplines are also being explored with a demonstration from Permavent already and another from Edinburgh Leadcraft Ltd planned.
NFRC said it has been working with industry and schools to raise the profile of the many and diverse careers in construction through hands on, practical skills demonstrations. Following on from this The City of Edinburgh Council engaged with the Federation to develop an education pathway for those wishing to explore possible careers in the industry.
Scott continued: “We had to scale down college materials to create a course that truly introduces roofing. It’s great for students who thrive in practical settings.
“It’s especially appealing to students who aren’t as engaged in traditional academic subjects. They can see a clear path to employment. It’s practical, confidence-building and might lead straight into an apprenticeship.”
Though currently running in five schools, the statement said demand is growing with more schools showing keen interest.
NFRC Scotland is to host another Skills Demonstration on the lawns of Scottish Parliament on the 14 and 15 of May, as well as a Parliamentary Reception celebrating the initiative titled “A Blueprint for Scotland’s Emerging Construction Talent” on 3 June.
