A new Level 2 Roofer Apprenticeship will launch in East Sussex in September 2026.

This marks the first time dedicated roofing training will be delivered locally in the county.

The programme, delivered by East Sussex College, has been developed in response to growing recruitment pressures across the roofing sector and longstanding concerns over the lack of local specialist provision.

The apprenticeship has been shaped by a working group within the Skills and Employment East Sussex Construction Task Group; bringing together East Sussex County Council, local roofing firms, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Eastbourne Borough Council and the college.

Industry data highlights roofer recruitment pressures

The launch follows warnings from industry bodies about widening skills gaps in roofing. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors reports that more than half of roofing businesses nationally are experiencing recruitment difficulties, with 65% stating that skills shortages are already limiting the amount of work they can take on.

The same data suggests the UK will require nearly 3,800 additional roofers by 2029. Current training routes are projected to deliver around 1,550 new entrants over the same period, underlining the need for additional college-led provision.

The apprenticeship will initially be offered at Level 2 and will typically run for 18 months. Training will take place at East Sussex College’s Eastbourne campus, reducing the need for apprentices to travel outside the county.

Partners say the course has been designed to reflect evolving industry requirements, including building safety, energy efficiency and refurbishment standards.

Vicki Orbell, Head of Business Development at East Sussex College, said:

“We’re very excited about this new roofing apprenticeship, following months of hard work from the construction task group. By working with industry bodies and employers, we’ve ensured the training reflects real world requirements. From September, we’ll be creating a clear route into skilled work for local people and a sustainable talent pipeline for roofing businesses across East Sussex.”

Rebecca Conroy, CEO and Principal of East Sussex College, added:

“The launch of our new roofing apprenticeship shows the power of partnership. When employers, educators and stakeholders work together, we can deliver the skills our county truly needs.”

Supporting contractors and sector growth

Industry representatives say the programme will help contractors respond to rising compliance and sustainability expectations.

Sean Wootten, Regional Manager – London and Southern Counties at the National Federation of Roofing Contractors , said:

“With higher standards around building safety, energy efficiency and refurbishment, contractors need people with the right skills coming through. This apprenticeship supports employers to invest in the next generation while helping address a shortage that is already constraining growth across the sector.”

Local leaders have also positioned the initiative as an economic development measure aimed at supporting small and medium-sized roofing businesses.

Cllr Penny di Cara, lead member for economy at East Sussex County Council, said: “Local roofing businesses are essential to our economy, but many are struggling to find the skilled workers they need due to lack of locally available training and a low profile of roofing as a career option for young people. We’re delighted to get this apprenticeship up and running so we can give employers a practical way to grow their workforce, invest in skills, and plan for the future. It is a strong example of what can be achieved when employers, education and local partners work together around a shared goal.”

The apprenticeship has also been welcomed by Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde OBE, who studied at the college. “Apprenticeships can open doors to secure, skilled careers. As someone who studied at the college, I know the difference high-quality education and training can make. This programme will help local people access real opportunities while supporting roofing businesses that are vital to Eastbourne’s growth.”

Local roofing firms were involved in developing the programme. Joshua Clarke, Director at Clarke Roofing, said: “This new roofing apprenticeship represents a significant step forward for the industry in our area. Crucially, it means we will no longer need to send apprentices to East London for training. Instead, learning and assessment can now take place here in Eastbourne, making the programme far more accessible and sustainable for both employers and apprentices.”

Addressing the long-term construction skills gap

The introduction of a dedicated roofing apprenticeship in East Sussex forms part of wider efforts to strengthen local construction training pipelines and respond to national labour shortages.

With demand for roofers projected to outstrip current training capacity, the new programme is expected to play a role in supporting both local contractors and the broader construction workforce over the coming years.