NORTHERN ROOF TRAINING GROUPS ON BOARD WITH THE NEW “KICKSTART” INITIATIVE

The Government’s recent launch of the “KICKSTART” initiative has prompted both North West and Yorkshire Roof Training Groups to get on board with Gateway organisations, Procure Plus and En:Able Futures to assist their Members in the recruitment of new staff.

The objective of “Kickstart” is to help young people aged from 16-24 & in receipt of Universal Credit, get back into work and boost the UK economy. Although a “Kickstart” application must be for a minimum of 30 job placements, as it’s unlikely that single employers will be able to provide this number, they can apply for just one individual place (or more), by using an existing Kickstart Gateway.

The Government will fund each ‘kickstart’ job, paying 100% of National Minimum Wage, National Insurance, and pension contributions for 25 hours a week. Employers will be able to top up this wage, and can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021 

Government will also pay employers £1,500 to establish support and training for those on placement, as well as helping to pay for uniforms and other set up costs. More information about the Kickstart Scheme on GOV.UK website

Sue Wharton, Group Training Officer for the North West Group said “with this type of support, here’s a golden opportunity to trial individuals who may in due course, prove suitable for further training/upskilling at a time when we are faced with a critical shortage of skilled labour. We are all aware that we can no longer rely on family & friends to form the backbone of our sector. An extra bonus for employers is available via Procure Plus as they are providing a “site-ready” service, so those new to construction can take advantage of relevant free training, HSE tests and CSCS Cards.

Denise Cherry, GTO for Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group is promoting the initiative to 100 group members and the group’s work with En-Able Futures will give the option of The Health Safety and Environment Course, CSCS Cards and practical roof training to ensure that young people become knowledgeable and useful on site during the first month. Denise says “This really is a good offer for companies to recruit young people to support their existing workforce, and potentially take up further learning to become permanent employees.

In support of global efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus, Roofing, Cladding & Insulation (RCI)​, is pleased to announce that the Pitched Roofing Awards will take place as a virtual awards ceremony on Friday 26 February, 2021.

With a variety of categories to choose from, recognising both the residential and commercial areas of the pitched roofing market, there is plenty of opportunity for companies and individuals to be acknowledged for their achievements.

So, if you would like to be a part of this fantastic event, then make sure you submit your entry online at www.pitchedroofingawards.co.uk/enter-awards by Friday 6 November, 2020.

FIFTY ROOFERS, from ten different roofing companies across the country, are the first to be officially accredited by RoofCERT.

RoofCERT, the UK’s only accreditation scheme for roofing operatives, is professionalising the roofing industry by helping roofing operatives demonstrate their competency and helping roofing contractors to upskill their teams.

To achieve accreditation roofers must pass a rigorous knowledge test, undertake six health and safety awareness courses, and demonstrate their roofing competence via practical assessment.

Read more here.

CITB NEWS: Construction Talent Retention Scheme

RISING TO THE CHALLENGES - Women in Roofing

FULLY FUNDED e-learning is available from 3 June 2020, as  we have funding allocated from the RIA; subjects available are:

Abrasive Wheels, Asbestos Awareness, Emergency First Aid, Fire Safety, Manual Handling and Working at Height Awareness (those looking for accreditation from RoofCERT will recognise that completion of all 6 courses goes a long way towards final accreditation)

Please note – Staff who are furloughed can take part in training.

The brand new accreditation programme for the individual has arrived! This is Roofing’s equivalent to the Gas Safe Register & there is a development programme to professionalise the sector nationally. It consists of a knowledge test specific to roofing, mandatory training courses, VQ & experienced worker route and agreed CPD to keep operatives up to date and renew accreditation

Check out RoofCert