GRADIENT TRAINING CENTRE EMBODIES LEARNING AT WORK WEEK BENEFITS
By Jake Preece, Site Manager at Gradient
Flat roofing and tapered roof insulation specialist, Gradient, has voiced its support for Learning at Work Week (LWW), an annual national initiative that highlights the importance and benefit of continued workplace learning and development.
Led by Campaign for Learning and employers in their organisations, this year’s LWW takes place from May 15th to 21st. It carries the theme ‘Create the Future’ and highlights how companies can action workshops and planning resources to empower employees to personally and collectively create their own futures.
With the construction industry facing a skills shortage across all sectors, Jake Preece at Gradient said Learning at Work Week was a timely reminder of the benefits of continued workplace development. Jake said: “Construction has a range of opportunities for youngsters and people of all ages. However, employees are often unsure of how to make the most of those opportunities, which are core to them making the most of their career. LWW provides companies with the wherewithal to help staff with their workplace learning, which is a great pathway to creating happier, more motivated and productive individuals.”
To supplement its consultation, design and manufacturing service in relation to flat and tapered roof insulation applications, Gradient has initiated a workplace learning enterprise of its own. Designed to develop the experience and skills of young roofers, the company’s purpose-built training centre opened in 2019 at its manufacturing HQ in Burntwood, Staffordshire. The centre is focused on mentoring attendees in best practice across a range of flat roofing applications. Key to its success is its range of expertly-delivered theoretical training and practical exercises. These have helped instil the highest standards of roofing installation and safety knowledge.
The centre’s training schedule also aims to raise general awareness about technical aspects of Gradient products and systems, thus enabling merchants and distributors to give informed advice to customers.
Jake at Gradient, continued: “It would be nice to think in the future, more manufacturers will offer similar resources to the Gradient Training Centre that deliver for customers and the roofing industry as a whole. Youngsters joining the industry need time and support to develop their skillset. Our centre is integral to that outcome and creating a workforce capable of building the large volume of safe, sustainable homes our future environment depends upon.”
For advice on how to embark on a career in roofing, visit: www.nfrc.co.uk/careers/young-people
For more information on Learning at Work Week, visit: www.learningatworkweek.com
