Saint-Gobain Weber has launched a new regional training programme focussing on upskilling applicators across the UK, starting in the north of England
Working in conjunction with its Partner Colleges and other training academies within the wider Saint-Gobain group, Weber will be offering one-day courses in different locations to make it easier for construction firms to access training. Courses will cover the latest best practice methods for applying render and external finishes, floor laying and tiling.
The training will help companies to develop the skills of their teams while establishing and growing relationships between further education providers and local employers. Weber’s first course was hosted at Tyne Metropolitan College (TyneMet) on 13 April, with local tradespeople attending flooring training in the construction department of the college.
Steve Turnbull, Lecturer in Plastering and Interior Systems at TyneMet, said: “Building relationships with local manufacturers is key to setting our students up for future success, so it was fantastic to get such a positive response to Weber’s training initiative. It’s important for us to be in conversation with local employers to ensure that we’re equipping our students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry once they have completed their apprenticeship with us.”
The latest figures from the CITB estimates that 224,900 extra workers will be needed to meet UK construction demand by 2027 so it is crucial that the industry not only utilises new talent coming from construction colleges from all areas of the UK, but also retains the people it already has to prevent that number from growing.
Clair Graham, the newly appointed manager of Weber’s Technical Academy, said: “Our training is designed to help all tradespeople to thrive in the building industry. Whether that’s students just starting out in their career or more experienced people who want to learn an additional trade or diversify their business, having access to facilities like TyneMet’s and getting hands-on experience with construction products is a vital part of learning and developing their skills.
“This first trial has been a success and we hope to replicate it at other colleges and venues across the UK.”
Weber already hosts regular training courses at its own Technical Academy in Flitwick, Bedfordshire, delivered by a qualified and award-winning team who are fully committed to helping combat the skills shortage within the industry. Course options include render and external finishes, tile fixing, flooring and technical mortars.
For more information about Weber’s training offering, visit: www.uk.weber/training
