NFRC backs Milburn report: AI-proof roofing industry should be key pathway for young people

With materials and labour costs rising sharply, increased funding for technical and vocational training has never been more important.

NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) welcomes the publication of Alan Milburn's Young People and Work report. Its findings are concerning and highlight issues NFRC Members have long been observing. 

NFRC has long argued that students must be given genuine, equal opportunity to consider further education and skilled trades alongside university. The Milburn report validates that case. The report finds that in recent years, more young people have moved into higher education and fewer into further education or apprenticeships, the very routes most accessible to those at risk of becoming NEET, while industries like roofing face a deepening skills crisis that shows no sign of easing. 

More than half of NFRC Members now cite recruitment challenges as a critical issue and seven in ten say skilled labour shortages are directly limiting the work their businesses can take on. Meanwhile, nearly half of all roofing contractors report that recruitment is harder than it was a year ago, with the most acute shortages among slaters, tilers and felt roofers. 

Gray Gibson, NFRC policy & external affairs manager, said: "The Milburn report is a welcome dose of reality. While 15% of NEETs, around one in seven, hold a university degree, our Members are struggling to find the skilled workers they need to keep pace with demand. The skills shortage in roofing is not a short-term blip. It is structural, it is serious and it will only worsen unless we fundamentally change how we present vocational careers to young people. The report also makes clear that health and mental health are now the primary drivers of youth disengagement, this is a whole-system problem, and vocational pathways must be part of the solution." 

NFRC member businesses are already active in schools from Scotland to the South Coast, delivering hands-on skills demonstrations and showing students the genuine opportunities available in what is an AI-proof, long-term career. Today, NFRC Member Compass Roofing Ltd delivered a slate cutting workshop at Edinburgh Castle as part of a Build Your Future event. However, these engagement initiatives must be supported by adequate government support to bring new people, young and adult, into the industry. 

With materials and labour costs rising sharply, increased funding for technical and vocational training has never been more important. 

Gibson added: "We cannot keep asking businesses operating under significant economic strain to solve a problem that starts in the classroom. Increased, sustained funding for technical and vocational courses is essential. The Milburn report gives Government the evidence it needs to act. We await the report's recommendations later this year."