MCRMA and SPV Training Solutions join forces to increase training opportunities

The MCRMA is collaborating with the specialist division of member-company SPV Special Projects to expand the opportunities for training and skills development relating to the installation of metal roofing and cladding.

The partnership between the MCRMA, the industry association dedicated to the metal building envelope sector, and SPV has been developing over recent years given their shared vision to boost skills and training provision in the sector. 

The Walsall based roofing and cladding contractor, already provides the facilities for the MCRMA to deliver its own three-day introductory course, but it is now launching several of its own training programmes through its SPV Training Solutions division that people working across the industry can benefit from with the added benefit of a CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) discount for eligible businesses.

The two organisations believe their collaboration will support the metal building envelope sector as a whole, to meet the requirement to demonstrate competency standards for both new and experienced members of their workforce. 

Clare Fenton, Chair of the MCRMA, says: “The new building safety regime that applies to our industry means that everyone working in the industry must be competent to undertake the tasks required in their role, and that they are qualified to make the decisions they make. 

“The development of the competency frameworks will help our sector formalise the processes for doing this, but in the meantime it is really important that we do everything we can to increase training provision. This is why we are keen to collaborate with SPV and highlight how their training courses are available now to help installers develop their skills and gain qualifications from an accredited training provider.”

The MCRMA three-day training course is aimed at those who are involved in all aspects of the metal based roofing and cladding industry who require an introductory level understanding of the technology and terminology, theory and importantly the hands-on practical aspects of installing products and systems via a short duration course. It has been running for over twenty years during which time approximately eight hundred participants have been trained.

The training courses provided by SPV complement the MCRMA’s course extremely well, enabling participants to go deeper into specific areas of metal roofing and cladding installation. SPV has invested in developing a high quality Training Hub, opened in 2019, which it initially created to support its own workforce needs, but quickly saw its potential to support the industry more broadly, and encourage more young people to consider a career in construction.

Kate Whatley, Commercial Director of SPV Special Projects, comments: “As a market-leading roofing contractor, we are acutely aware of the current skills shortages and the difficulties in attracting new entrants to our industry. That’s why SPV created a Training Hub five years ago to address this issue and it has proved to be an extremely valuable facility, which we believe can help the industry as a whole.

“Hence why SPV Training Solutions have been working closely with the cladding sector through the MCRMA, consultants and manufacturers to support the roofing and cladding industry with infrastructure for training. They have supported us to develop a series of installer training courses, starting in September 2024, which are designed to help installers get the fundamentals right and work safely and efficiently.”

Five courses are available through SPV. The one-day introduction to sheeting and cladding course provides installers with foundation knowledge and skills relating to all areas of the role, from health and safety basics to understanding terminology and types and shapes of roofs.

Installers can focus on specific areas in the other four courses available from SPV. These are ‘Safe Working Practices’, ‘Installing Cladding Variants’, ‘Fixing Techniques for Sheets and Panels’ and ‘Installing Double Skin and Insulation.’

These courses are aimed at CITB registered installers, main contractors and all those working in the sheeting and cladding industry. SPV is a CITB Approved Training Organisation and can, therefore, assist with funding for companies and are working with the CITB Employer Networks, meaning that the courses can be subsidised with contractors paying just 30% of the cost.

For more information on the training courses available from SPV, email [email protected]. The company is also interested in hearing from any manufacturers or stakeholders interested in collaborating or working with the training team to provide additional skills and knowledge in specific areas or types of product.

Further information on the MCRMA’s three-day training course is available at www.mcrma.co.uk/training.

Details of the training courses available from SPV Training can be found at www.spvtraining.co.uk. 

Contact:

Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA),
106 Ruskin Avenue,
Rogerstone,
Newport,
Gwent,
NP10 0BD.

Tel: 01633 895633

www.mcrma.co.uk

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