New Scheme To Bring Boost To Roofing Skills Sector

For roofing contractors, a good deal on corrugated roofing sheets, is just one concern of the profession, however, a new accreditation scheme announced this week should help make the job a whole lot easier.

According to Builder’s Merchant News, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Construction Industry Training Board has collaborated for the scheme, which has some noteworthy goals. Up-skilling workers, improving efficiency, attracting new talent and making use of new technology will all be covered in the accreditation.

James Talman, Chief Executive of the NFRC, explained why the scheme is so important to the profession: “The industry recognises that it is faced with an ageing workforce, structural challenges which limit its professionalism and lacking career paths. Our aim is to address some of these issues and make sure roofing contractors have the support they need to operate efficiently and confidently.”

The scheme is aimed to both existing contractors and new talent, offering support and protection across the industry. They also hope it will achieve a sustainable demand for roofers, with scheme benefits that will be supported specialist federations and professional training providers.

Jon Vanstone, chair of the Competent Person Forum and Trade Association Forum, says that it could transform the way the roofing industry is viewed, giving a sense of stability which may mean that rather than actively recruiting, it becomes a case of recruiting professionals who know what they are doing. Vanstone has established accreditation schemes across a number of sectors since the early 2000s, including, most recently, for the glazing industry.