A significant milestone has been marked at Exeter College as they officially open a Construction Innovation Centre and Roofing Centre of Excellence in Sowton, Exeter.

Due to the exponential growth in demand for construction programmes, the College has expanded its provision, a reflection of hard work, vision and commitment from all involved.

Their hope is that the young people completing these courses will create a regional generation of superstar roofers who will contribute to this growing, exciting industry.

Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Partnerships and Apprenticeships at Exeter College said;

“Exeter College delivers a huge range of construction programmes and to ensure that we meet the full needs of our employers, it was an obvious choice to pick roofing as the next one that we add to our portfolio.

“Now students can go from damp proofing right the way up to roofing and everything in between. There is a high level of skill within the industry that needs to be taught, so it doesn’t become a dying trade, and we’re delighted that we can be seen as a Centre of Excellence in the South West.

“We’ve got huge employer support, every employer that’s linked to Exeter college is giving us time, giving us resources and materials, which is a brilliant way to support the excellent team that deliver our training.”

Dave O’Connor, Head of Faculty for Construction, said;

“We began occupying the Construction Innovation Centre in January, and by February, it was already buzzing with our Site Carpentry apprentices. In April, we proudly launched our new Roofing Apprenticeship in Slating and Tiling, made possible in large part by the appointment of Steve Dowell as a Work Based Tutor. His expertise, enthusiasm, and industry connections have already made a significant impact.”

“A special thanks to Luke Hurlock and Mike Armitage, our Curriculum Area Managers, whose valuable input helped turn this vision into reality. The future of Construction at Exeter College is looking incredibly bright.”

The College was delighted to welcome Colin McCorquodale, National President for NFRC, the UK’s largest roofing trade association to officially open the building. He said;

“NFRC and its members are very engaged in training the up-and-coming generation of roofers. We need to do this so our industry is well set for the future but also so we can preserve these traditional roofing skills that we all value.

“The biggest single challenge facing this industry is a skills gap. That’s why it’s even more pleasing to see the demand from facilities like this, where roofers of the future can receive expert training and guidance to set them on the right path for their future careers. I wish them the very best of luck.”

To find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College, please contact the Apprenticeship Team on 01392 400800 or Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk.