Regional Careers Plan-How to Get Involved (North West and Northern Ireland)

As your Regional Manager, it is important to give you the opportunity to share feedback on ongoing regional incentives and actions. Right now, we are looking to engage more members in our recent Careers Plan. We know the industry needs more recruits, and we're taking action. Outlined below is what we have been working on recently, but your input is needed to gather data.

Shaping the Future of Roofing Training and Recruitment

We are all acutely aware of the well-publicised labour shortages affecting the roofing industry. To tackle this challenge head-on, I am currently in discussions with schools, colleges and training providers across our region. The goal is twofold: 

1. To develop robust, accessible training course availability for all roofing disciplines
2. To actively introduce young people and fresh talent to the roofing industry. 

To make these courses a reality and to ensure education providers take our needs seriously, I need to substantiate the data. I need hard evidence of our regional labour demands, what is working and where the system is failing you. Please take a few minutes to review the questions below and send any responses back to me. 

Current Recruitment & Apprenticeships

• What are your specific labour recruitment issues at the moment?
• How do you currently advertise new positions or recruit talent?
• Do you currently take on apprentices?
• Realistically, how many apprentices would or could you take on each year if the right candidates and training were available? 

School, College & Community Engagement

• Would you consider attending Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), school, or college employment fairs?
• Could you commit to visiting schools and colleges to help undertake roofing "taster days" or practical demonstrations for students?
• Would you commit to providing short-term work experience placements to job seekers, students, or career changers?

Alternative Labour Sources & Diversity

• Would you consider employing ex-offenders if they had completed an initial, NFRC-developed training program while in prison?
• Would you be open to offering supported placements or retraining opportunities for military veterans or ex-forces personnel looking to transition into construction?
• Are you currently tapping into underrepresented groups (e.g., women in construction initiatives), or do you need support on how to attract a more diverse workforce? 

Local Training Provider Review

• Do you currently have training providers (colleges or private centres) that you use in your locality?
• If yes, which specific providers do you use?
• Are these training providers delivering the level and quality of training you feel your employees should have?
• What are the main issues or barriers you face when dealing with local training providers (e.g., location/travel, outdated curriculum, lack of communication, inflexible schedules)? 

We cannot lobby for funding, more relevant courses, or better-prepared candidates without your data. Whether you can take on ten apprentices or none at all, every single response helps us build an accurate picture of our regional needs.

Please send your responses to: Jason Munro - NFRC NW & NI Regional Manager - [email protected] / 07708 899 301