Heritage roofing apprenticeship gets started

The first Heritage Specialist Apprenticeship Programme (HSAP) in roof slating and tiling is now up and running.

Richard Jordan of Jordan Heritage Roofing developed the training specification for the programme in conjunction with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), other leading industry experts and CITB-ConstructionSkills’ National Specialist Team staff.

“I’ve been shocked by how little people understand how different traditional roofing is to modern roofing,” Richard says, “and the damage you can cause to traditional buildings unless you do things properly.”

“For example, before 1830, tiles were handmade and slates were random. Nails were at a premium, so tiles were fixed with wooden or bone pegs. Using modern materials and techniques on an old building is like putting an electronic ignition on a Model T Ford. It might work. But it’s not right and it won’t last.”

The heritage sector is a major opportunity for experienced roofers with the necessary additional skills and knowledge. Work on the conservation, repair and maintenance of traditional (pre-1919) buildings in England was worth £5.3 billion in 2010.

This modular HSAP programme provides a flexible, step-by-step approach to develop the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to work on traditional roofs. It includes 30 days off-the-job training with Richard at Mike Fildes South Coast Roof Training Centre in Littlehampton, West Sussex. Trainees are also registered for the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills, so will gather evidence in their workplace over the next 12 months.

Grant support of £3,800 is available in the 2010/11 grant year for employers and their employees registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills.

“Getting this programme off the ground would not have been possible without the generosity of the roofing industry,” says Alan Wemyss, SAP Manager with CITB-ConstructionSkills’ National Specialist Team. “And with continued industry support we look forward to more of these programmes being delivered across the UK to benefit heritage roofing.”

For further information on current Specialist Apprenticeship Programmes, locations and dates and details of registration please contact: Kathryn Lowe on 0300 456 5547 or email Kathryn.lowe@cskills.org