The Building Futures Stoke-on-Trent programme has announced another opportunity for young people to learn a trade.

Up to 15 young people, aged 16 to 19, will get to join the programme,  based at Rydale Roofing, Silverdale, in September.

Rydale Roofing is working in partnership with Juniper Training Ltd to try to tackle a shortage of tradesmen, particularly in the roofing sector. The training company has a range of incentives for potential trainees, such as Bursary Payments and a refer a friend to get £10 offer.

Fifteen trainees will get the chance to learn the basics of the three main disciplines in roofing. They will also gain many other certificates, such as working at heights, asbestos awareness. The main qualification they will have upon completion is their CSCS card. When the students have completed the first 24-weeks they will then progress onto an apprenticeship in their chosen discipline with a local company.

The Building Futures partners have linked-up with several roofing and general building contractors across North Staffordshire to ensure places are available for youngsters looking for an apprenticeship.

“It’s a unique offer and it is free of charge,” said Julie Mirowski, a Director at Rydale Roofing. “Our company and others across the area are crying out for more workers and there’s also an issue of an ageing workforce.”

The first group of trainees started in February and are now coming to the end of the 24 week programme. The first six will now gain apprenticeships.

External training taster sessions during the Building Futures programme sees trainees learning skills such as hot melt waterproofing, fibreglass roofing, lead production and more.

Trainees are based at Rydale Roofing, which has a purpose built training room, extending out onto a mezzanine that is equipped with a vast range of tools and equipment. Rydale Roofing also has three specially designed training rigs.

The North Staffordshire programme is the second in the West Midlands. Juniper Training has run a successful scheme with the SPV Group, a building and roofing company based in Walsall.

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle by phone on 0776 2043436 or email [email protected].