Following the completion of a new BMI Icopal flat roofing training area, and the refurbishment of the existing BMI Redland pitched training facility, the BMI National Training Centre is now able to offer contractors, developers, merchants and students an extensive range of both pitched and flat roof courses at the one location. This makes BMI the only UK roofing manufacturer able to offer training in both disciplines and on one site.
Located in South Cerney, Gloucestershire, the National Training Centre boasts possibly the most comprehensive training resource in the country. The pitched roof area comprises a variety of rigs including: a gable-to-gable rig, life-size hip and valley rig, life-size monopitch with top edge abutment rig, and a plain tile detail rig for full system installation. These are complemented by a variety of mobile rigs outside.
The training area for flat roofs is similarly well equipped with several liquid waterproofing rigs, two single ply detail rigs, a life-size flat roof and six demonstration tables for single ply and liquids detail work. Along with a large external bitumen rig, to allow torch on and pour and roll training.
Courses offered range from the introductory, BMI Basic Roofing course (flat and pitched), to the higher-level courses, such as the Bespoke Standards and Workmanship course for pitched roofing. Alongside the existing BCP certification in pitched roofing, certified contractor training in all flat roofing disciplines is now available as well as specialist training for Decra, the lightweight steel tile range.
Customers can also take advantage of bespoke training programmes too if they have a requirement outside of the core offering, with the added benefit of having these delivered on their own premises if desired.
Mat Woodyatt, BMI Technical Training Manager, is excited with what the National Training Centre can now offer: “With the investment we have made in the new flat roofing facility and the improvements made to the pitched roof area, we are in a great position to offer the most comprehensive training available in the UK. Since opening over 45,000 delegates have enjoyed coming here and learning a new skill or even just brushing up on an existing skill. Now we can look forward to the next 45,000 and offer them even more.
“Our commitment to training has never wavered and being able to run courses in both pitched and flat disciplines will help us cater for the needs of the contractor, merchant and student in a more cohesive and flexible manner”, he adds.
