THE EASTERN Region Roof Training Group held its annual Employer Event and Apprentice Awards last week on 8 February 2024.

The Norfolk-based independent, non-profit training provider held the event at its dedicated premises and was well attended by employers and apprentices, as well as tutors, suppliers and the Group’s governors.

The Eastern Region Roof Training Group (ERRTG) celebrated its year, with Kate Rupp, EERTG Vocation Lead, outlining the year’s highlights. These included hosting Skillbuild regional finals, an Ofsted inspection ‘good’ rating, a visit to CUPA’s quarries in Spain, and providing alternative provision for schools.

Announcing this year’s apprentice awards, Clive Coote, EERTG Managing Director thanked suppliers for their support, including Midland Lead, Soprema, Axter, CUPA PIZARRAS, BMI Redland and Icopal.

Employer Support

Jordan Totman, EERTG Rising Star

Clive also acknowledged the role of employers in the apprentices’ achievements, saying: “Their attention to detail is incredible and a lot of that comes down to employers and what they expect and support.”

Sixteen-year-old Jordan Totman, first year apprentice at ZSP Roofing in Bury St Edmonds received the Rising Star Award. Jordan says he knew he wanted to join the family firm from an early age as a roofer and has enjoyed learning plain tiling so far.

Other award winners include Joe Kemp, 24, recognised as an Ambassador for Roofing and, together with Keith Leathers also winning Commitment to Learning awards.

ERRTG Apprentice of the Year

Luca Loomes, ERRTG Apprentice of the Year

The ERRTG Apprentice of the Year award went to Luca Loomes, 18, who is in his Slating & Tiling Apprenticeship second year, working in family firm Loomes Roofing Ltd in Gislingham near Bury St Edmonds.

Presenting the award, Clive said: “This apprentice has had a stand out year of effort, theory and practical skills. He is a joy to teach, keeping his head down and listening and learning all he can.”

Receiving the award, Luca said, “I want to be the best roofer I can be. The highlight of the year for me was going to visit CUPA’s slate quarries in Spain. Now I’d like to develop lead working skills.”

Father, Kris Loomes added, “I’m very proud of Luca, he’s done really well. He’s developed his skillset and confidence. EERTG offered a good route into learning slating & tiling, they give him a lot of time and have developed his skills… building his confidence.”

At the event, Clive also mentioned a new EERTG initiative to help employers find prospective apprentices, which is proving successful with 12 recent applicants within five days, including a woman.

There’s also a flat roofing SAP course in the pipeline for autumn 2024 with support from Axter and Soprema.

The EERTG offers Roofing Slating & Tiling Apprenticeship Standard training and NVQ L2, as well as the NVQ L2 Diploma in Waterproof Membrane Roofing Systems for flat roofing disciplines. Upskilling courses are also regularly held in slating & tiling, leadworking, single-ply, liquid roofing and torch on felt.

>> Read more about the EERTG in the news

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