The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has submitted detailed feedback to the Department for Education (DfE) on its consultation over new post‑16 pathways, calling for roofing to be clearly featured within Construction and the Built Environment V Levels and related level 2 qualifications.

The DfE is seeking views on a third, vocational pathway at level 3—V Levels—alongside A levels and T Levels, and on two simplified level 2 routes: a Further Study pathway and an Occupational pathway. NFRC says V Levels are well suited to broad, sector-based subjects that allow applied learning before specialisation, and argues that roofing must be explicitly recognised within any Construction V Level rather than treated implicitly.

NFRC is not pressing for a standalone "Roofing V Level" but insists roofing should be visible to learners as a major employment route. The trade body highlights roofing's scale and centrality—42,460 roofers in 2025, or roughly 1 in 31 skilled tradespeople, according to CITB—along with the fact that every building needs a roof.

It adds that a Construction V Level aligns with roofing's practical nature and could address low awareness that often leads to poor-fit choices and early drop-out. As reported by NFRC Members in summer 2025: "Limited awareness of what a career in the roofing industry entails leading to low interest and / or high attrition when expectations are not met". The federation also points to clear progression routes from a Construction V Level into roofing apprenticeships, diplomas and further technical study.

Citing a persistent skills squeeze, NFRC says 52% of roofing firms reported recruitment difficulties in summer 2025 and 65% said shortages were already limiting the work they could accept. ONS data shows fewer than 15% of roofers are under 25, with most aged 30–59. Forecasts indicate additional demand of 2,520 roofers by 2029 (CITB) or 3,760 (Construction Skills Mission Board), with net zero pressures adding a further 1,000–2,500 roles between 2023 and 2030. On current trends, NFRC estimates the UK will produce only around 1,550 new roofers between 2025 and 2029.

On information, advice and guidance (IAG), NFRC urges a shift away from generic construction descriptions towards clearer signposting of varied trades, tailored to local skills needs via LSIPs. It stresses earlier, employer-led engagement, pointing to a 20‑year partnership by NFRC member J Wright Roofing with Bulwell Academy and, since 2023, Newark Academy, which has delivered GCSE‑level construction pathways aligned to industry, 94–96% completion to NVQ level 2, and 74 apprentices employed—achieved without central or local government funding. NFRC calls for LSIPs to help scale such models and for genuine parity of esteem between academic and vocational routes.

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On creating T Levels where no level 3 occupational standards currently exist, NFRC advocates a pragmatic, employer-led approach. The absence of a standard should not be read as a lack of demand, it says, particularly in trades such as roofing where occupational competence is well understood. A transferable core—health and safety, building composition, working at height principles, materials awareness and basic site practice—should support progression as occupation-specific standards evolve. NFRC also warns that employer confidence and deliverability are paramount, particularly amid NICs and National Living Wage increases and possible Employment Rights Bill measures, and urges early involvement of employers and sector bodies.

To ease transitions between the level 2 Further Study and Occupational pathways and then into level 3, NFRC backs shared foundations with early, applied practical learning and structured exposure to real work environments (e.g. housebuilding, infrastructure, and repair, maintenance and improvement). It cautions against learners viewing a level 2 roofing apprenticeship as a step backwards from a level 3 programme, arguing that apprenticeships represent progression in occupational competence and come with the benefit of earning while learning. Clear recognition of prior learning and flexible entry points should prevent repetition and support changes in direction.

Among risks, NFRC highlights the way English and maths are often front‑loaded in colleges, driven by incentives rather than learner needs, which can depress engagement for students who struggled with these subjects at school. It recommends timetabling that maintains momentum through vocational content.

For Foundation Certificates, NFRC wants subjects to reflect the full breadth of modern delivery models, including off‑site and manufacturing, with off‑site roles—such as surveyors, estimators and technical office staff—comprising around 50% of construction jobs according to CITB's 2025 estimates.

NFRC also proposes recognising progression into paid, sector‑relevant employment (for example, a labourer role with a reputable employer) as a legitimate reason to step off the two‑year Occupational pathway early, given the way construction employers recruit against project opportunities and how such roles often lead to apprenticeships.

The federation supports DfE‑set, shared introductory core content for Occupational Certificates, provided it is genuinely transferable—covering health, safety and welfare; productive working practices; safe moving and storage of resources; and fire safety—and that explicit, named occupational options include roofing. NFRC reiterates its workforce evidence and contests Skills England's view that roofing is a shortage occupation but not in demand, arguing vacancy metrics miss recruitment channels such as word‑of‑mouth and social media.

On non‑qualification activities, NFRC prioritises structured industry exposure that connects classroom learning to real work, coordinated through LSIPs, employer networks and trade associations. For learners with SEND or those previously NEET, it recommends applied learning and visible pathways into real jobs. Through the England Construction Opportunities mentorship programme run by NFRC over the past three years, 277 roofing apprentices have progressed into training and employment; 13.7% disclosed a disability and 69.6% were previously NEET, with many disabilities likely neurodivergent. Strong employer links and supported exposure, it says, markedly improve confidence, occupational fit and progression outcomes.