Marley sponsors SkillBuild to support tomorrow's roofers  

As part of its ongoing commitment to investing in future roofing talent, Marley is sponsoring SkillBuild, the UK’s largest running construction skills competition.

As sponsor of both the regional qualifiers and final, Marley has also donated JB Red battens and tiles which will be used by trainees and apprentices competing within the Roof Slating and Tiling category.

Rebecca Ball, Campaign Manager – Roof Systems at Marley, said: “As the construction industry continues to face an ongoing shortage of skills, including roofers, it is vital that we support the next generation coming into the sector. Competitions such as SkillBuild, not only work to develop competitors’ technical abilities, but also their time management, confidence and self-esteem which help form the foundations of a long and successful career in the trade.”

Chris Messenger, who is part of the team of lecturers who train students for competitions at Leeds College of Building, said: “SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices to take the technical skills they’ve developed and compete among their peers, with the winners even having the chance to compete on an international level.

"Having the support from manufacturers, such as Marley, ensures those taking part can get to grips with quality roofing products, gaining further practical experience which they will be able to use throughout their career.”

Simon Dixon, Training Manager at the NFRC, has been working with the roofing competitors. He commented: “We’re really excited to be working alongside the CITB again for this year’s SkillBuild competition. With the ongoing construction skills shortage still impacting the roofing industry; competitions, such as SkillBuild, play an important role in encouraging and showcasing our best young talent and creating role models to inspire the next generation.”

SkillBuild, delivered by CITB, is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. The series of competitions sees the very best compete against each other to be crowned a winner in their chosen trade.