Raising the roof on construction skills
In its 60th year, a Lochmaben company is taking a lead role in preparing workers for the future.
Leading roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles is supporting the National Housebuilding Council (NHBC), the UK's largest independent provider of warranty and insurance for new-build homes, in its ambition to address skills shortages within construction.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Russell Roof Tiles is based on an 11-acre manufacturing site in Lochmaben, (Halleaths) where it employs a team of 50.
Representatives from SME builders, major housebuilders, and industry trade bodies were recently involved in a roundtable on how to build the housebuilding workforce required. Hosted by NHBC and CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), the discussion covered a range of issues affecting construction skills development.
NHBC is helping to tackle the house-building skills shortage with a £100 million investment in a national network of 12 multi-skill training hubs. These facilities will train 3,000 apprentices each year in key trades such as bricklaying, groundworks and site carpentry. Each hub will deliver immersive, hands-on learning in real-life conditions, ensuring apprentices are site-ready from day one.
NHBC backs the UK Government’s Construction Skills Package, which sees the Government investing £600 million in training providers and the industry working together, helping to equip thousands of people with the skills required to build quality homes. Strengthening the construction workforce to boost productivity and grow a more skilled and sustainable workforce.
To support this, Russell Roof Tiles' expert in-house technical team is providing tailored training covering roof tile fixings, accessories, and site compliance to NHBC at sessions in Lochmaben over the next three months.
The new initiative is headed up by Technical Director Mark Parsons, who has worked closely with NHBC for many years on technical best practices.
Mark Parsons, Technical Director at Russell Roof Tiles, comments: “We’re delighted to be supporting NHBC and its crucial work in investment in skills and training. We are pleased to be providing expert tuition on installing pitched roof tiles as well as dry fixing systems.”
Darryl Stewart, Head of Commercial Services at NHBC, comments: “Sustained investment in training is essential to help the UK meet the Government’s ambitious housing targets. We are always exploring new ways we can work with partners to drive skills-based training and remain committed to driving quality across the industry.”
Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent concrete roof tile manufacturer supplying products for national housebuilders and high-profile social housing and commercial projects. The company produces hundreds of thousands of tiles and related fittings and accessories every week that are used on pitched roofs across the UK.