The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) hosted a high-profile parliamentary reception on 3 June 2025, marking major strides in tackling Scotland’s construction skills shortage and placing the roofing trade firmly in the political and educational spotlight.
Held in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament, the event drew over 130 attendees – including 16 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) – demonstrating cross-party support for addressing the workforce challenges facing Scotland’s construction sector.
Political and sector support aligned
Sponsored by Carol Mochan MSP, the reception highlighted how collaborative efforts between industry, government, and education are opening new routes into construction careers, with roofing at the forefront.
In her opening address, Mochan praised the sector’s commitment to creating “rewarding careers for young Scots” and stressed the importance of continued investment in vocational learning.
Fifteen fellow MSPs joined the event, including representatives from all major parties. Their presence signalled a shared understanding of the critical role roofing and wider construction trades play in Scotland’s housing delivery, heritage restoration, and net-zero goals.
Young people and practical learning centre stage
The spotlight of the evening was on the next generation of tradespeople. Students and teachers from six pioneering secondary schools – Stirling High, Castlebrae Community High, Portobello High, Larbert High, Wester Hailes High, and Prestwick Academy – were on hand to share their experiences of NFRC Skills Demonstrations and National 5 construction courses.
Set up at tables throughout the venue, their hands-on displays and personal stories gave guests a compelling glimpse into how early exposure to trade skills is inspiring future careers.
Industry leaders call for greater employer engagement
A series of powerful speeches underscored the momentum building behind the skills agenda – and the work still to be done.
Lee Liddington, NFRC Scotland’s 2024 Ronnie Forsyth Apprentice of the Year, spoke movingly about his path into the industry and the opportunities roofing has given him.
Stephen Kelly, Head of Education at The City of Edinburgh Council, acknowledged the successes to date but also highlighted the scale of the challenge in building sustainable pathways into construction careers.
Scott Miller, NFRC Scotland Chair, and Colin McCorquodale, NFRC National President, used the platform to urge more employers to engage directly with local schools and commit to taking on apprentices. They also made a strong case for secure, long-term funding for vocational initiatives.
Long-term impact of NFRC programmes recognised
The event celebrated over a decade of grassroots work by NFRC and partners including Historic Environment Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council. Since 2012, hundreds of practical demonstrations and pilot National 5 courses have introduced school pupils to both traditional and modern roofing techniques, helping to:
Strengthen school-to-industry connections
Generate interest in skilled trades among young people
Create clearer routes into apprenticeships—critical at a time when UK apprenticeship starts have dropped by a third since 2015, according to CITB
NFRC credited its members, including Compass Roofing Ltd, with helping deliver the success of these programmes through hands-on mentoring and skills demos.
Looking ahead: A skills agenda for every school
NFRC closed the evening with a call for further progress. The federation wants to see:
Annual skills demonstrations hosted in every Scottish secondary school
National 5 construction pathways rolled out nationwide
Greater employer involvement to sustain and expand apprenticeship routes
The event concluded with a sense of shared purpose, as industry leaders, educators, and policymakers reaffirmed their commitment to investing in Scotland’s future workforce – roof by roof.
