Project summary

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has secured funding through the CITB England Construction Opportunities (ECO) programme to provide structured employment support and retention services for 146 new entrants joining the roofing sector. Through its established Roofing Careers Service, NFRC supports roofing employers, employees, young people, career changers and parents by providing careers information, guidance, recruitment support and progression pathways, helping to promote roofing as a skilled and professional career within the wider construction industry.

The NFRC Roofing Careers Service is free to access for both members and non-members and provides a single point of contact for career information, employment opportunities, signposting and support. The service is designed to help attract new talent into the roofing industry while supporting employers to recruit, develop and retain individuals entering the sector.

The ECO-funded project will focus on supporting new entrants during the critical transition into employment, recognising that some barriers to retention emerge only after an individual has started work. Once employment has been secured, NFRC will work with the employee, employer and relevant stakeholders to identify any challenges that may affect progression, wellbeing or long-term retention within the sector.

Support will be delivered through a tailored Employment Support Plan, which will identify individual needs, agreed actions and ongoing support requirements. The programme will provide bespoke interventions to address personal, workplace and wellbeing challenges, ensuring that both the employee and employer are equipped to achieve positive employment outcomes.

Where specialist support is required, NFRC will facilitate referrals to appropriate external agencies and services. This includes access to counselling and wellbeing support, together with free legal, tax and HR advice services provided through ARAG. By coordinating access to specialist assistance, NFRC aims to remove barriers that could otherwise place employment outcomes at risk.

A key feature of the programme is the implementation of a structured workplace buddy system. Employers will be encouraged to identify an appropriate workplace buddy as early as possible, ideally during the recruitment stage. NFRC will provide guidance to employers on the role and responsibilities of the buddy and will work directly with nominated individuals to ensure they understand their responsibilities and are fully committed to supporting the new entrant throughout their integration into the workplace.

The buddy system is designed to provide practical day-to-day support, help new starters understand workplace expectations and culture, encourage positive engagement with colleagues, and offer an accessible source of guidance during the early stages of employment. This structured support network is intended to strengthen workplace integration, increase confidence and reduce the risk of early attrition.

Through the ECO programme, NFRC aims to improve the retention of new entrants within the roofing sector by providing proactive mentoring, personalised support, employer engagement and access to specialist services. The project will help participants overcome challenges, build confidence, develop sustainable careers and contribute to a skilled and resilient roofing workforce for the future.