Construction companies Morgan Sindall and Kier, alongside the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and training organisation TrAC, are taking a lead role in the new partnership, designed to provide a skilled and qualified workforce for the booming industry.
The college has set up a dedicated roofing training facility, the first in the Cambridge area, to address the current skills shortages and attract new entrants into the specialised area of construction.
Its new roofing apprenticeship was launched by Cambridge mayor Cllr Jeremy Benstead – who spent 30 years working in the roofing industry – at a hands-on event attended by construction and roofing companies and students invited to find out more about the apprenticeship.
The mayor, a champion of training and apprenticeships to encourage young people into construction, said Cambridge’s roofing industry was in need of specialist trained workers.
“A proper training course in this field, using the facilities of CRC, has been needed for years and I am very pleased to be here launching this apprenticeship,” he said.
Helen Clements of construction company Morgan Sindall said the apprenticeship would address a key skills gap in the supply chain.
“This is our first initiative at demonstrating how the industry working collaboratively with the supply chain and training providers can address the skills gap and make the courses available that we need,” she said.
The new roofing training facility is being led by Crispin Jolly, head of building crafts at CRC.
“This is an excellent opportunity for job-seekers who want to train for a great career in the construction industry. It’s a booming time for construction, particularly in this area, and businesses are prepared to invest in training for the future,” he said.
“Roofing contractors have committed to employing 20 roofing apprentices immediately and we expect that number to increase. It’s a great time to get into construction.”
The two-year apprenticeship specialises in Built-up Felt Roofing. Once qualified, roofers can earn up to £30,000 a year.
For more information, email cjolly@camre.ac.uk.
Image: The Mayor of Cambridge with construction business representatives
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