Wales Celebrates Launch of Its First Roofing Apprenticeship
First dedicated Welsh roofing apprenticeship launched and celebrated by Welsh Government.
Wales now has its first dedicated roofing apprenticeship pathway, a major step forward for skills, training and workforce development in the Welsh roofing sector. The programme has been developed through close collaboration between the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), and Bridgend College, working in partnership with Welsh Government and industry employers.
The new pathway was formally marked during a visit to Bridgend College’s Pencoed Campus by Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, who met apprentices, employers and training leaders at the college’s Construction Academy. A press release on the visit was published by Welsh Government here.
The course will go live in early March 2026, with nine learners already enrolled. Spaces are still available for roofing contractors who wish to engage in training the next generation. NFRC Members who are interested in engaging with the course are encouraged to contact NFRC Southwest Regional Manager Stuart Black, who has been a driving force behind getting the course offered.
A milestone for roofing skills in Wales
The new Roof Slating and Tiling apprenticeship means learners in Wales can now complete their specialist roofing training locally, rather than travelling to the Midlands. This removes a long-standing barrier to entry and makes roofing careers more accessible to Welsh learners and employers.
During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary described the programme as a milestone for Welsh apprenticeships and skills delivery, highlighting the importance of enabling people to earn while they learn and helping employers build the skilled workforce they need. The launch also aligns with wider retrofit and decarbonisation programmes across Wales, including major investment through retrofit funding streams.
Cabinet Secretary Bryant said:
“I was delighted to visit Bridgend College and celebrate the launch of Wales's first roofing apprenticeship pathway, a real milestone that means Welsh apprentices no longer have to travel to the Midlands for this specialist training.
NFRC engagement with Welsh Government and colleges
NFRC has worked consistently with Welsh Government, CITB and training providers over several years to support the development of roofing training capacity in Wales. This apprenticeship pathway reflects sustained engagement between industry and government to address skills gaps and strengthen regional provision.
NFRC representatives attended the ministerial visit alongside education and industry partners, seeing first-hand the progress made in building a stronger skills pipeline for the Welsh roofing sector.
NFRC extends its thanks to Robert Clover and the Bridgend College team for hosting the visit and for their leadership in delivering industry-led roofing training.
Strong employer support from NFRC Members
Employer engagement has been central to making the new pathway viable and sustainable. NFRC Members and local roofing contractors have played an active role in supporting the programme and taking on apprentices.
Employers involved include:
- Greg Brett — Treforest Tiling
- Alex Baul — A Baul Roofing Contractors
- Marco Camilleri — Camilleri & Sons Roofing
Their participation demonstrates how industry and education can work together to build a skilled, sustainable roofing workforce in Wales. Active employer involvement ensures training reflects real site needs and gives apprentices a clear route into long-term employment.
Long-term partnership delivering results
NFRC also recognises the significant contribution made by CITB and Mark Whitby, whose sustained commitment over the past three years has helped bring the Welsh roofing apprenticeship pathway into operation. The programme is a clear example of what can be achieved through long-term partnership between industry bodies, training providers and government.
The course will go live in early March 2026. Roofing contractors who want to help train the next generation are encouraged to get involved. Interested NFRC Members interested should contact South West Regional Manager Stuart Black.
