In a 2021 survey conducted by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), 32% of respondents, which compromised of both self-employed construction workers as well as employers, believed that labour shortages were a limiting factor in sales and output.  This will be in part due to the reduced uptake of apprenticeships during the pandemic.  However, this year there has been an increase of people starting apprenticeships, with the Department of Education reporting that 20,500 people started apprenticeships between August 2021 and January 2022, an increase of 63.9% compared to the same period in 2020/2021.

Apprenticeships and training are a vital part of the construction industry and help to ensure that new starts in the industry.  The skills shortage has been well documented, with CITB reporting that the industry will need an additional 217,000 new workers by 2025 to meet demand. 

Hambleside Danelaw, as a roofing ancillaries manufacturer, are well aware of the demands that are facing the construction industry at the moment and are committed to helping ease these demands as much as they can.  Hambleside Danelaw often donate roofing products to training centres and collegesaround the country and are always on hand to answer technical questions through techelp@hambleside-danelaw.co.uk.  

Last year Hambleside Danelaw Hub was launched, an online platform where people can take free courses about a range of topics; from GRP flashings to ridge ventilation. This platform proved to be popular with both contractors and merchants alike, and can be accessed on mobile devices on the go. At the end of each module, participants gain a certificate detailing the course content, making this a fantastic opportunity for those new to the industry.

Hambleside Danelaw are pleased to announce that there are two new courses coming to the platform; LR Roof Tile Underlays, and Plain Tile Roof Vents.  To register your interest for these modules, please email marketing@hambleside-danelaw.co.uk.