January 2020

Training: Trailblazer
years and previously specialised in felt roofing.
Dean decided to join the apprenticeship in order
to expand his knowledge and skillset. He said:
“Having only worked with felt roofing previously, I
decided to take on the Waterproof Membrane
Installer apprenticeship standard to help me
branch out into single ply and liquid roofing and
achieve a recognised qualification in these areas.
“The first week was really enjoyable and I feel I
have been able to further my knowledge and
practical skills already. So far, we’ve focused a lot
on the health and safety aspects we need to be
aware of when working at height. Now, back at
work I feel I have a greater understanding of the
key considerations to be mindful of. I am really
looking forward to the next week of the Trailblazer
apprenticeship.”
The Trailblazer Roofing Apprenticeship is based at
Advance Technical Engineering and Construction
Centre (TECC) in Leytonstone, which is a unique
partnership between Dudley College of
Technology, London Borough of Waltham
Forest (LBWF), Simian and NOCN
Group. With its excellent
transport links to London,
as well as the rest of the
UK, the location of
Advance TECC allows
learners from across
the UK to apply for the
apprenticeship. Each
group comprises ten
apprentices, and 30 are
expected to begin their journey through
the apprenticeship standard within the first year.
“In-depth detail and first-hand
experience”
Jack Hardisty (above) is also an apprentice on
“Now back at work, I feel I have a greater
understanding of the key considerations to be
mindful of. I am really looking forward to the next
week of the Trailblazer apprenticeship”– Dean McCabe
The participants in Langley’s first Trailblazer course with
Mark Dunn (left) and Gary Walpole of the NFRC (right).
the Trailblazer Roofing Apprenticeship scheme
from Hardisty CRN, a roofing and coating
specialist based in Liverpool. Jack said: “I have
been in the roofing trade for around a year.
Although I have developed basic knowledge and
skills from shadowing colleagues on site, the
Waterproof Membrane Installer apprenticeship
standard will give me the in-depth detail and
first-hand experience I need to
complete work on site more
safely and to a higher
standard.
“The first week of the
apprenticeship was
both engaging and
relatable. It will assist
me with expanding my
knowledge of the industry
from a theory and practical
perspective. This week has been a
useful balance between the workshop sessions
and practical elements on the rigs. So far, I have
really enjoyed putting my existing skills and the
teachings from the workshops to the test whilst
working on the rigs – and I look forward to
“Although I have developed basic knowledge and
skills from shadowing colleagues on site, the
Waterproof Membrane Installer apprenticeship
standard will give me the in-depth detail and
first-hand experience I need” – Jack Hardisty
continuing to gain experience throughout the
apprenticeship.
“It is also incredibly helpful to have Mark and the
other Langley trainers with us in the workshops
and practical sessions, as there is clear
consistency across both aspects, and it means
that each complements one another. We have also
been able to build a strong relationship with the
Langley team, who are always on hand to help.”
Mark continued: “Prior to the start of this
initiative, many of the apprentices had shadowed
their colleagues, but lacked the practical
experience needed to progress in their careers. I
was pleased to see that, even in the first week of
the apprenticeship, each apprentice took a handson
approach when on the rigs and showed drive to
want to learn and improve their existing skills.”
Independent assessor
Each apprentice is assessed by an independent
assessor and is expected to provide evidence
collected through video, photographs, professional
discussions and method statements. Assessments
will also take place on-site to minimise disruption
to the apprentices and their employers.
The Trailblazer Roofing Apprenticeship scheme is
a government-backed initiative to support further
training within the construction industry. For
many employers, the apprenticeship will be
almost completely funded – non-apprenticeship
levy payers can expect the apprentices to have
95% of the apprenticeship funded. The
apprenticeship is also supported by two
attendance grants and an achievement grant for
those companies that are CITB registered.
For more info on the Waterproof Membrane Installer
apprenticeship standard and other funded courses,
please contact Mark Dunn at training@langley.co.uk
or visit https://www.langley.co.uk/training
14 TC JANUARY 2020