24 February, 2023: 140 words, 1-minute read

Congratulations are in order to Emiljano Mujac who has been awarded the Cupa Natural Slate Apprentice of the Year 2022.

Emiljano carried out a Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP) in roof slating and tiling, gaining an NVQ Level 2. He was trained by Alan Lander of Rooftrain on behalf of the South West Roofing Training Group.

Alan said: "Emilijano did very well on his slating and tiling course, always tried his best, and had a thirst for knowledge."

Being Greek, Emiljano had to return to Greece to complete his national service at the end of the course.

It was Alan's intention to enter Emiljano into the BMI Apprentice of the Year and SkillBuild. He would have enjoyed these and done well but, unfortunately, both competitions were held while he was away.

A much-deserved accolade for a very committed young man.

6 May, 2022: 210 words, 1-minute read

We've all heard the word "asbestos", but do you know that over 5,000 people die from asbestos related illness in the UK every year? Understanding the dangers of asbestos is especially important for those working in the construction and roofing industries.

We are pleased to announce that Clive Chamberlain from Wiltshire based M4 Property Solutions Limited has recently audited and approved Alan to deliver UKATA-certificated asbestos awareness training (CAT A) in the South West as an approved trainer for M4 Property Solutions.

Clive and M4 Property Solutions have been a UKATA member for more than 10 years and has been delivering asbestos-related training for 12 years. He is well versed in explaining the dangers to his clients and sat on the UKATA board of Directors from 2015 to 2017.

However, the UKATA Asbestos Awareness course is not enough to work with any forms of asbestos because it does not meet the legal requirements laid down under Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This is why Alan is working with M4 Property Solutions and is very near to gaining approval to deliver non-licensed training (CAT B) and refresher training in the South West.

Please contact us for further information about the asbestos course or to book your place.

6 May, 2022: 210 words, 1-minute read

We all know how important it is to keep safe on site, which is why we are now delivering the NOCN qualification in the "Safe Use of Cut-Off Saws including Abrasive Wheels" course as part of the current assured short courses offered via the SiteRight brand.

The course is delivered by our qualified and approved trainer and is a blend of theoretical and practical hands-on study supplemented by NOCN-approved training material. Delegate's knowledge is assessed at the beginning of the course through an initial assessment paper and is formally tested at the end of the basic course through a practical observation and a multiple choice examination paper. The course is pass / fail with pass certificate being valid for 5 years.

The half day course looks at:

• The Legal Requirements for the use of Petrol Driven Cut-Off Saw including HASAWA, PUWER and COSHH Regulations.

• Checking the machine and selecting the correct blade/wheel/PPE.

• Fuelling, starting and hands-on experience in the safe use of the machine.

• In addition, the course demonstrates the use of other machines including fuel injection, battery and brake machines.

• Use of accessories to improve efficiency and easy handling.

The course attracts a CITB grant for its members, so get in contact to book your place.

25 August, 2020: 370 words, 2-minute read

After our recent reopening from lockdown, after a number of stressful weeks preparation, we were delighted to welcome back the first group of our current pitched-roofing apprentices.

Alan and Julie have done a terrific job in making the course safe and hygienic

In order to comply with social distancing a number of procedures had to be put in place including the division of our practical training area and redesigning and building of roof rigs.

We were all rather nervous on the first day. However, the lads responded in a responsible manner and put us at ease with their comments at the end of the day.

JD commented: "Really pleased to be back at college! After everything that's happened with Covid-19 in the UK, I thought it might be hard to get the curse back up and running whilst also adhering to social distancing standards and guidelines, but I must say Alan and Julie have done a terrific job in making the course safe and hygienic. All appropriate measures were taken such as temperature check on arrival and the required PPE was given if we had not already brought it with us. Also, thanks to the hard work of Alan, he had re-organised the whole workplace to allow for practical work to be completed securely without inhibiting his first-class training techniques. I'm grateful to be a part of this training programme."

BEL commented: "Thank you for all you have done to keep us safe. I really like being back at college. The way you have put our safety first was nice, thank you."

LP commented: "Everything was safe clean and enjoyable."

Thank you for all you have done to keep us safe

SL commented: "It was a great first day back at college and learning new things. The venue was very well set out with all the correct PPE and all cleaned to very high standard. Will Look forward to the next one."

Ensuring social distancing rules, Alan Lander alongside the first returning group post lockdown, to complete the Specialist Applied-Skills Programme SAP (formerly Specialist Apprentice Skills Programme).

Alan would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the employers for their continued support.

16 October, 2019: 570 words, 2-minute read

Rowsell Roofing, a long-established Somerset-based roofing company would like to say a massive congratulations to newly-qualified Zac Hopkins, Tyler Mason and Sam Ellis. All three delegates successfully completed their Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP) and gained a Level 2 QCF NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations, Roof Slater and Tiler.

Peter Rowsell, the company director acknowledged the hard work and dedication each apprentice had put in to earn their academic qualification in roofing:

"They learnt the practical techniques and theoretical knowledge of how to use plain and interlocking tiles, natural slates and other materials to cover valleys, hips and general areas. These core areas have been supplemented by their completion of qualifications in First Aid and Health and Safety, along with other industry-specific subjects."

Peter went on to say each delegate has also gained over three years of professional technical experience on-site within this time.

Peter acknowledges that thanks has to be given to the senior staff at Rowsell for their part in Zac's, Tyler's and Sam's achievement:

"Without constant mentoring and support on-site from Rowsell's experienced workforce, the on-site learning element of the boys NVQ would not be achievable."

This specialist roofing training is delivered by Alan Lander of RoofTrain, who delivers the apprenticeship programme on behalf of the CITB through the South West Roofing Training Group. Alan agrees with Peter:

it's great to see experienced people willing to nurture and hone the skills of the emerging workforce Alan Lander

"It's great to see experienced people willing to nurture and hone the skills of the emerging workforce. Without this commitment, so much valuable knowledge would be lost forever."

Gaining his NVQ is especially poignant for Tyler Mason who made it to the SkillBuild finals in 2018. Unfortunately, Tyler had to withdraw from the competition due to an injured ankle:

these skills have translated into more efficient and higher standards of work Tyler Mason

"I found college an extremely enjoyable experience and was able to take time and learn the skills needed to progress myself. These skills have translated into more efficient and higher standards of work than I was producing before."

The success of all three apprentices demonstrates how Rowsell Roofing has got it right. Training investment for an emerging workforce helps sustain a level of professional expertise within the company and the roofing industry. Sam agrees:

my confidence in all areas of roofing has improved Sam Ellis

"I feel the apprenticeship has benefited me in all areas of my work. I learnt new and more practical ways of roofing, making day to day tasks easier. After completion of the apprenticeship my confidence in all areas of roofing has improved due to the skills I've learnt on the course."

Zac went on to say:

working on site and combining the teaching from the course has improved my knowledge and practical skills Zac Hopkins

"I am very pleased to have completed my apprenticeship, working on site and combining the teaching from the course has improved my knowledge and practical skills massively. I have also been working very hard in a team and on my confidence. It has been enjoyable."

The apprentices are proud of their achievement and recognise the positive impact it has already had on their work. Peter is looking forward to witnessing their continued progress and has already welcomed the next apprentice by enrolling him on the September 2019 SAP in Exeter!

29 July, 2019: 160 words, 1-minute read

this is another great achievement for a RoofTrain apprentice roofer Alan Lander, RoofTrain

Congratulations Nick Davey, apprentice to RoofSmart in mid-Devon, who was one of the highest-scoring competitors at this year's SkillBuild 2019 regional qualifiers. Nick has now been invited to compete in the SkillBuild UK National Final 2019, which will be held at the Birmingham NEC on 21–23 November 2019.

Alan Lander of RoofTrain, Nick's tutor and mentor, commented:

"In addition to participating in the BMI Redland Young Roofer of the Year Awards earlier in early 2019, this is another great achievement for Nick. I am delighted his hard work and diligence has paid off and wish him the best of luck at the finals in November."

Nick's employer, Rob Siddall, of RoofSmart is no stranger to Skillbuild and had an apprentice gain second place in 2014.

Our thanks go to the South West Roofing Training Group and Rob Siddall for their continued and valued support.

12 June, 2019: 130 words, 1-minute read

Alan Lander bids a fond farewell to another group of pitched roofing apprentices who have successfully completed the Specialist Applied-Skills Programme (SAP - formerly Specialist Apprentice Skills Programme).

Alan was the first trainer to teach the pitched roofing SAP course back in 2011 having written the original programme. Since that time, the SAP courses have gone from strength to strength. A significant number of roofing employers return and sign-up new learners every year. The opening of a second training centre in Melksham, Wiltshire has increased SAP course popularity and availability. A number of new companies have been brought to the South West Roofing Training Group.

Alan would like to take this opportunity to thank all roofing employers for their continued support and extends a warm welcome to new members.

12 February, 2019: 160 words, 1-minute read

A big thank you to the South West Roofing Training Group for supplying hoodies to the latest intake of specialist apprentices on the pitched roofing skills course. The course is being held at the SWRTG training centre in Melksham; the third slating and tiling course to be held there since the it opened in 2018.

Alan Lander, RoofTrain's expert roofing trainer, is currently running three courses in Melksham and two in Exeter. Another course will be started in Exeter during June 2019.

All apprentices learn how to install natural slates, cement man-made fibre slates, concrete interlocking single lap tiles, plain tiles, and shingles, basic lead dressing skills, and use and preparation of mortar, all to industry standards of competence. The training enables apprentice roofers to make a positive contribution on site and become a valued asset to your roofing business.

We urge all employers looking to qualify roofers to NVQ Level 2 to come on board the RoofTrain!

7 December, 2018: 210 words, 1-minute read

Our warmest congratulations to former soldier, Tom Thompson, the winner of the Rising Star category in the 2018 RCI Pitched Roofing Awards. This is Tom's second success of the year, having been Highly Commended in the pitched roofing category of the BMI Redland Apprentice of the Year competition in June.

he will be an inspiration and an asset to the roofing industry Alan Lander

After a traumatic time in Afghanistan, Tom's army career ended and he became an apprentice with AL King Roofing. His new roofing skills were taught from Alan Lander of RoofTrain.

Tom proved to be an able roofer and progressed rapidly achieving second in the national 2017 SkillBuild finals with a judge's commendation. He now works for Roundway Roofing in Devizes which specialises in heritage work.

Alan commented:

"I believe Tom has designs on becoming an assessor and has registered on a training course with the help of the South West Roofing Training Group. Once Tom has experience in assessing, a natural progression would be a role in teaching. His skills from his army days would certainly put him in good stead. Whichever route Tom chooses to take in the future, he will be an inspiration and an asset to the roofing industry."

12 September, 2018: 140 words, 1-minute read

Our congratulations to Tyler Mason, an apprentice from Rowsell Roofing of Yeovil, who has made it to the Skillbuild 2018 finals to be held on 15 - 17 November at the Birmingham NEC.

The final is managed by CITB with each craft being involved in organising the competition for its trade. NFRC run the roofing competition and have close ties with the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers which was established in 1416.

The winner will be invited to London to attend the annual Craft Awards lunch as well as participating in the IFD World Championship in 2020. The International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD) is the worldwide recognised highest body representing the interests of the Roofing Trade.

We wish Tyler the best of luck and hope he makes it all the way!

28 June, 2018: 290 words, 1-minute read

Keeping lead work alive, six delegates have successfully completed our three-day basic lead welding course recently held at the SWRTG in Melksham.

Our LSTA-approved lead welding course is a perfect add-on for slaters and tilers whether they are involved in new builds or re-roofing. Three of the delegates, from AL King Roofing Ltd in Melksham, have tacked the course on to their Specialist Applied-Skills in Pitched Roofing training programme (previously the Specialist Apprenticeship Programme).

Welding is part of an overall five-day basic course. It provides a starting point for learning the most common but essential roofing skills required for lead working, bossing, welding and dressing. Our hands-on training experience in using lead has no special entry requirements and is particularly useful for roofing and building contractors wishing to hone their skills in constructing and installing lead flashing details.

I recommend this course and would do it all over again! I really enjoyed it - it was amazing. Tom G

On completion of the course, delegates know the health and safety procedures for working with metal sheet and can form lead work details with bossing and welding techniques. Your company can benefit from improved quality of lead work and increased on-site productivity.

Trainer, Alan Lander, commented: "judging by the positive comments we received, it is good to see that working with traditional materials such as lead is still popular. It has a future."

I have learned a new trade. Alan is a great instructor Stu P

All tools, materials, lead sheets refreshments are included in the course cost. Safety boots are all you need! Lead courses can be held on-site or at our dedicated roof training centre in Exeter, Devon. Please contact us for more information.