Level 2 Roofer Apprenticeship Launched in East Sussex
This significant development represents a long-awaited, practical response to the roofing industry’s ongoing skills shortage, and will benefit both local people and roofing employers. Roofing continues to face structural skills challenges across the UK.
NFRC reported that “more than half of roofing businesses nationally are experiencing recruitment difficulties, with 65% saying skills shortages are already limiting the amount of work they can take on.” This apprenticeship will help address these pressures by creating a sustainable talent pipeline and establishing a clear route into a skilled roofing career, particularly in an area that previously lacked local specialist training.
NFRC has worked collaboratively with East Sussex College, local roofing firms, East Sussex County Council, and other partners to develop and launch this programme. Speakers involved in the initiative highlighted both the strategic importance and the practical value of the new apprenticeship:
Vicki Orbell (Head of Business Development, East Sussex College) said the programme meets industry-relevant demands: “By working with industry bodies and employers, we’ve ensured the training reflects real world requirements.
"From September, we’ll be creating a clear route into skilled work for local people and a sustainable talent pipeline for roofing businesses across East Sussex.”
Rebecca Conroy (CEO & Principal, East Sussex College) emphasised the partnership approach: “The launch of our new roofing apprenticeship shows the power of partnership. When employers, educators and stakeholders work together, we can deliver the skills our county truly needs.”
NFRC’s London & Southern Counties Regional Manager, Sean Wootten, was actively involved in getting the project off the ground.
He added, “With higher standards around building safety, energy efficiency and refurbishment, contractors need people with the right skills coming through. This apprenticeship supports employers to invest in the next generation while helping address a shortage that is already constraining growth across the sector.”
Joshua Clarke, Director at NFRC Member, Clarke Roofing, said: “This new roofing apprenticeship represents a significant step forward for the industry in our area. “Crucially, it means we will no longer need to send apprentices to East London for training.”
Cllr Penny di Cara (Lead Member for Economy, East Sussex County Council) echoed those benefits for local business: “We’re delighted to get this apprenticeship up and running so we can give employers a practical way to grow their workforce, invest in skills and plan for the future.”
What This Means for Roofing
This new apprenticeship is a step forward on several fronts: It creates accessible, local training in East Sussex for the first time.
It gives employers a route to grow their own skilled workforce without long travel for apprentices. It is industry-aligned and built on real-world requirements shaped by roofing businesses themselves.
If you’re interested in putting someone through this roofing apprenticeship, please contact the London & Southern Counties Regional Manager Sean Wootten.