January 2020

Training: Trailblazer
LANGLEY’S BLAZING A TRAIL WITH
NEW APPRENTICESHIP STANDARD
A skills shortage in the construction industry means it has never been more important for
young people to join the industry and receive the necessary training, which is why
apprenticeships are so important. Langley Waterproofing Systems recently welcomed the
first group of apprentices onto the newly launched Waterproof Membrane Installer
apprenticeship standard, part of the Government’s Trailblazer Roofing Apprenticeship
Scheme. Total Contractor caught up with the Langley team and the apprentices during
their first week to find out more.
One of the most significant challenges
faced by the construction industry today is
the growing skills gap. Statistics show
that fewer young people are taking up a career in
construction, resulting in the workforce steadily
growing older – 22% are now over 50 and 15%
over 60 years old. It is vital that the industry
works to bring more young people into the
industry through schemes like the Trailblazer
Roofing Apprenticeships, utilising Government
support and funding.
As one of only two flat roofing suppliers with CITB
Approved Training Organisation (ATO) status for
RBM, Langley says it is the only flat roofing
Mark Dunn, Head of Training, Langley, addresses the
attendees of the first Waterproof Membrane Installer
apprenticeship standard.
systems provider delivering the
new Waterproof Membrane
Installer apprenticeship
standard as part of the
Government’s
Trailblazer
apprenticeship
initiative. Mark Dunn
(left), Head of Training at
Langley, explained more:
“The new apprenticeship
standards brought about by the
Trailblazer scheme are playing an instrumental
role across the construction industry in closing
the skills gap and ensuring that the next
generation of workers are equipped with the skills
and knowledge required.
“The Waterproof Membrane Installer
apprenticeship standard covers Reinforced
Bituminous Membrane (RBM), liquid and single
ply roofing. Across 18-24 months, Langley
trainers will educate the apprentices on a wide
range of topics to ensure that, on completion of
the course, they have a full and comprehensive
understanding of how to safely and correctly lay
these roofing systems.”
Left: Dean McCabe of G Baker Roofing
taking part in Langley’s Waterproof
Membrane Installer apprenticeship
standard.
14 blocks: The
first week
The apprenticeship is
structured with a total
of 14 blocks covering
Reinforced Bituminous
Membrane (RBM), single ply
and liquid systems. During the first
week of the course, the apprentices learnt about
safety when working at height, the NFRC
Safe2Torch initiative, how to comply with Part L
and Part B of Building Regulations and the
differences between and the characteristics of
warm, cold and inverted roofs. This included a
combination of workshop sessions and practical
training on rigs.
The apprenticeship standard is open to anyone
already in full-time employment looking to enter
into the roofing sector, or to those looking to
expand their roofing knowledge portfolio. Dean
McCabe (above), apprentice from G Baker
Roofing, has worked in roofing for over three
“The apprenticeship standard is open to anyone
already in full-time employment looking to enter
into the roofing sector or to those looking to
expand their roofing knowledge portfolio”
12 TC JANUARY 2020