How strong networks can help you
- Hear about new contracts or roles early
- Access training or accreditation opportunities
- Learn from other specialists (heritage, flat roofing, solar, etc.)
- Gain recognition and referrals
- Build your reputation as a reliable, skilled professional
Start where you already are
The great thing about networking is you don’t have to start from scratch. Networking starts on site and in your local area and you can begin immediately without needing to invest a lot of time.
On-site:
- Ask suppliers, site managers, and other trades what projects or training they’re involved in
- Show curiosity about how other roles work as this builds respect and opens doors
- Offer help or advice when appropriate–reliability builds trust fast
Within your company:
- Let your supervisor or contracts manager know you’re keen to progress
- Ask about shadowing or mentoring opportunities
- Join toolbox talks or training sessions and speak up about what you’re learning
Through your suppliers:
- Merchants and manufacturers often know which firms are growing or recruiting
- Ask about demo days or training events. These are great low-pressure networking environments. View the NFRC Supplier Training Map here
Grow your digital professional presence
You don’t need to be a social media expert, but a little online presence goes a long way. The suggestions below will build a great foundation to begin your digital networking.
- Set up or update your LinkedIn profile
- Include your trade area (e.g. Flat Roofing Specialist or Leadwork Supervisor)
- Add photos of quality work, training courses completed, or awards achieved
- Follow: NFRC, Suppliers, CITB, RoofCERT, NFRCP Competent Person Scheme, and key manufacturers
- Comment on posts and engage with your network and topics of interest
- Share what you’ve learned or achieved; it builds visibility and ask questions, share advice, and celebrate others’ successes
- Join roofing and construction groups online
- Be consistent: small, regular interactions and posts are better than big, rare bursts
Get involved in industry events
Attend events and trade shows. This include RCI show, UK Construction Week and the Installer Show. These are excellent for meeting contractors, suppliers, and trainers
Introduce yourself to training providers, manufacturers, and NFRC staff — they often know of upcoming projects and training routes
Local networking sessions
- Attend regional and national NFRC Member events–details of these events will be posted in your monthly bulletin
- Chambers of Commerce or local business networking events can also connect you to construction clients and sub-contracting opportunities
Additional tips
Networking works best when it’s a two-way street.
- Offer to share your experience with apprentices or learners
- Recommend someone for a job or subcontract when you can
- Comment positively on others’ achievements
Turn Connections Into Opportunities
Once you’ve met people:
- Follow up with them via email or social media, for example “Great to meet you at the NFRC event. Would love to stay in touch.”
- Stay visible and share updates throughout your progress, like “Just finished my **** training” or “Looking for next step into site management.”
- Ask for advice, not just jobs. This shows you want to engage with and learn from your network. People are more likely to respond if you’re curious rather than asking for immediate help
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Join mentorship or ambassador schemes NFRC and CITB initiatives often welcome experienced roofers who want to grow LINK TO MENTORING SECTION – info for this section is in this bit - Careers site - New areas - Documents - Mentoring - All Documents
Keep Building Momentum
- Aim to connect with at least one new person per month
- Keep learning–Every new course, event, or certification is a networking opportunity
- Track who you’ve met and what you’ve discussed—simple notes help keep relationships active
- Be present and professional, both on site and online
- Attend events, join groups, and follow up
- Focus on learning and giving as much as asking and progressing
Over time, these small, consistent actions lead to career progression, recognition, and opportunity. Whether you want to move into supervision, estimating, training, or even start your own firm, networking is a valuable tool that connects you with people, builds relationships, and enables you to learn and grow.
If you would like further advice, support, or have any general queries, please get in touch below.