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22 January 2003 Norman & Underwood Invests in New Training Facilities for Craft Apprentices Roofing apprentices James Chaplin (left) and Ryan Wheeler working with lead sheet in Norman & Underwood's new on-site training facility. Norman & Underwood, the Leicester-based roofing and glazing company, has introduced new measures to help tackle the skill shortage crisis threatening Britain’s heritage industry. The 178-year-old company in St Peter’s Lane has established in-house training facilities so that its craft apprentices can gain hands-on experience of the specialist skills required. Norman & Underwood has a proud history of restoring Britain’s finest cathedrals, palaces and stately homes, but in recent times has found it difficult to attract new trainees. It has also experienced problems finding local college courses that teach the particular skills needed by roofing, stained glass and glazing systems apprentices. To address the situation, Darrell Warren, Contracts Manager of the Roofing and Stained Glass Division, has created a training facility where apprentices can develop their practical knowledge under the supervision of qualified personnel. Similar facilities are soon to be set up in the Glazing Systems Division to ensure trainee glazing technicians receive more extensive in-works product and skills training to supplement their hands-on training. Darrell added: “Unfortunately, we find that the general plumbing college courses available locally do not cover the skills needed to undertake the specialist lead works required by our roofing contracts. “In the training facility there is a tiled roof area where our apprentices can put the roofing skills they have learned into practice once a week. “Although the facility cannot replicate exactly the challenging working conditions apprentices face when working on a real roof, it provides an environment in which they can at least improve their practical skills.” Among the roofing apprentices currently benefiting from the facility are Ryan Wheeler, a second year apprentice from Hinckley and James Chaplin, a school leaver from Markfield who is in the first year of his three-year roofing apprenticeship. Ryan, 18, said: “Our work is highly specialised and it’s important that we receive plenty of practical experience to supplement what we learn on our NVQ course at Leicester College. “It’s an interesting job with good prospects. We have already been involved with restoration projects at Chatsworth House and Salisbury Cathedral.” Norman & Underwood, which currently employs seven craft apprentices, is also working hard to promote the career opportunities of its industry to schools, parents and young people. It regularly takes school students on work experience and has forged strong links with the School of Architecture at De Montfort University and with SPAB, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Group Chief Executive Bob Savage said: “We need to make people aware of the many opportunities that our industry offers. Career prospects are good – virtually all of our management team started as apprentices here – and a skilled craftsman can make a very good living. “The work also offers great job satisfaction with the chance to work on landmark buildings both in Britain and overseas.” Mr Savage added that without companies like Norman & Underwood the well-documented skills shortage threatening the heritage industry would be even worse. He added: “As it is, the restoration of historic buildings is being put at risk because insufficient craft trainees are coming through the ranks. “The Government’s main objective appears to be to make university places available to as many school leavers as possible, irrespective of the real needs of the country. For many young people, though, a craft apprenticeship would be a far better career option.” back to top back to previous page   11-27 Freeschool Lane, Leicester LE1 4FX, England tel: 0116 251 5000 fax: 0116 253 2669 e-mail: [email protected]