Is it possible that those in the roofing trade are becoming less proficient? Rock certainly believes that such a danger exists. The reason could be that, in recent years, our industry has witnessed the launch of a wide range of new products that certainly have important applications, but which entail a much lower degree of skill.
“Not so long ago, mastic asphalt teams were highly trained,” explains John Walsh, our managing director. “You had to undergo a full apprenticeship and would spend many hours on construction sites to gain direct, invaluable experience of the trade. Getting your hands dirty was central to the whole learning process.”
John feels strongly that although many of the new roofing products have clear benefits, the relatively limited levels of skill they demand have inadvertently brought about a gradual ‘dumbing down’ throughout our profession. That’s a tendency which Rock is now actively working to reverse.
How? By insisting that all Rock’s site staff are NVQ-qualified to the level required of each trade. A National Vocational Qualification is a 'competence-based' credential with an emphasis on learning practical, work-related tasks designed to help develop the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively.
John Walsh recognises that one of the advantages of NVQs is that they can be completed at a pace which suits the needs and available time of each person. “Not only are they suitable for our fully employed site personnel, but also those studying at college who have a part-time job or work placement at Rock.
“For me, their value lies in the fact that an assessor will observe you and question you about the real work you carry out in the workplace, and will test your knowledge and understanding as well as your actual performance. Ultimately, that’s good for clients and good for business. Rock is committed to leading our industry with regard to NVQ training and promoting a revival in the traditional skills and craftsmanship associated with roofing.”
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