CITB launches roof, slating and tiling apprenticeship in Wales

CITB, NCC, Bridgend College and NFRC are collaborating on the delivery of the new apprenticeship to help meet gaps in training provision and address the construction skills gap

Wales has launched its first roof, slating, and tiling apprenticeship in Bridgend, in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the National Construction College (NCC), Bridgend College, and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC).

There are already nine learners set to start the apprenticeship in March 2026, and work is underway to engage additional employers and learners for the next cohort starting in September this year.

The learners will receive a mix of both in-class and outdoor, practical training from a CITB roofing tutor.

Jane Bryant MS, cabinet secretary for Housing and Local Government, attended a launch event for the new apprenticeship at Bridgend College on February 5.

The event brought all partners together to see the culmination of months of hard work and celebrate that, for the first time, a roof, slating and tiling apprenticeship is now available in Wales. 

The availability of fully trained apprentices is becoming a significant issue for the construction industry across the UK.

CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook forecasts that over 47,000 extra construction workers will be needed in the UK each year by 2029. In Wales, in particular, the industry is forecast to need an additional 1,720 workers each year by 2029 to meet demand.

Across the UK, an extra 630 roofers will be needed by 2029, and at least 50 of these new entrants must be based in Wales.