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College roofing apprentices inspire the next generation

28 January 2021

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After acing their roof slating and tiling apprenticeships, two newly-qualified roofers are helping the next generation make their mark.

Former 91ߣɫ apprentices Brad Heffron and Liam Dooley not only impressed their roofing tutors, they’ve also made a big impression on their bosses, having been chosen to mentor first-year roofing apprentices for their employers.

Liam, who works for The Roofing Co (NW) Ltd, has taken one young roofer under his wing whilst Brad, employed at P Duckworth Roofing Services, is mentoring three apprentices.

Both young men have already shown their commitment to the trade – in 2018 Brad was named Roofing Apprentice of the Year at The North West Roof Training Group Apprentice of the Year Competition, an annual collaboration between the College’s roofing department and .

Brad and Liam were also chosen by their tutors to compete in , the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices, with 91ߣɫ hosting the regional heats in 2019.

Liam, 20, said:“Roofing is in my blood - as a third generation roofer in my family, I am honoured to be sharing my skills with our new apprentices.”

Brad, 20, added: “To be able to support these apprentices as they learn the trade is a real privilege and they’re already displaying a lot of talent.”

The College, which is part of the Group, is one of a limited number of Roofing Apprenticeship providers in England, helping to meet a huge demand for qualified roofers in the North West - due to construction and housing developments, 400 more roofers are needed in the region by 2022.

Teresa Dooley, from The Roofing Co (NW) Ltd, said:“Liam is a talented roofer and having now gained his NVQ Level 3, he’s showing good leadership qualities. It’s wonderful that as a mentor, he is now able to pass on his knowledge and skills to new apprentices.”

Paul Duckworth, owner of P Duckworth Roofing, said: “I started out as a roofing apprentice at 91ߣɫ and I learnt a great deal from my mentor, so I wanted to pass this opportunity on to Brad.

“It’s a win-win situation – the apprentices are gaining a lot from Brad’s support and he’s feeling the benefit too – he’s displayed really good leadership and management qualities and his confidence is soaring.”

Luke O’Gorman, Roofing Lecturer at the College, added: “It’s a testament to the abilities of both Brad and Liam that they’ve been chosen as mentors. They were outstanding apprentices and they’ve proven to be outstanding roofing professionals too – I predict bright futures for them both.”