Rydale Roofing has signed a partnership with a training company, which will give young people a pathway into the trade.
With an ageing workforce, roofing is facing a skills shortage while, at the same time, there’s no formal pathway for school leavers to start a career in the industry.
But Silverdale-based Rydale Roofing has joined forces with Juniper Training to launch the Building Futures, Stoke-on-Trent Roofing Hub.
It is hoped the pathway – only the second to be launched in the West Midlands – will create job opportunities for youngsters not only at Rydale Roofing, but with building companies across North Staffordshire and beyond.
Rydale Roofing’s directors, Mick and Julie Mirowski are calling on roofing and building companies to register for an introductory webinar on Wednesday, 7 October, at 10.30am.
Julie said: “The Roofing Hub will give 16-year-olds an introduction to a trade. Rydale Roofing, working with Juniper Training, will give trainees taster sessions in skills, such as slating and tiling, fitting waterproof membranes, sheeting and cladding, manual handling and working at heights.
“They will work with us for 24 weeks, both out on the job and in our training room at Rydale Roofing on the Silverdale Business Park. The first cohort is expected to start in January and, by the end of their time with us, which will include site visits to other local companies, they will have worked towards their CSCS site card.”
Julie continued: “We think this new scheme is ideal for both construction companies and young people looking for work. The trade needs an influx of young roofers and there’s work available, even at a time when the economy is slumping due to the impact of COVID-19.
“Once they have completed the course with the Roofing Hub, trainees will be in a fantastic position to go on to complete apprenticeships with companies in North Staffordshire. The hub will produce new workers for Rydale Roofing, but also for several other companies. The whole trade in our area can benefit from this.”
Currently, there is a £1,000 incentive from the government for companies who take on apprentices, and for anyone who pays into the Construction Industry Training Board levy, they can claim up to £7,000 for an apprentice.
Juniper Training has run a successful scheme with the SPV Group, a building and roofing company based in Walsall.
To book your place on the webinar, which is taking place on 7 October, contact Lisa Jenkins by calling 07923 209239 or by emailing lisa.jenkins@junipertraining.co.uk.
