The roofing and carpentry trades have a natural responsibility towards the climate and the environment. This includes the selection and use of climate-friendly products and materials, the insulation, sealing and greening of roofs and the installation of photovoltaic systems, which are currently in particularly high demand. By acting sustainably, both trades contribute to environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources. The NEW LIFE initiative has set up a free teaching portal to support sustainable training. NEW LIFE macht Schule supports vocational colleges and training companies in teaching trainees about the importance and possibilities of environmental protection, the circular economy and sustainable recycled products for the roof: https://initiative-new-life.de/new-life-macht-schule/dachdecker.
Roofing trade benefits from the expansion of the photovoltaic landscape
In a difficult economic environment, the roofing trade in Germany continues to experience high demand. From the perspective of ZVDH division manager Felix
Fink "all air conditioning trades are benefiting from the current situation, which is due to the expansion of the photovoltaic landscape. In addition to the roofing trade, this [also] includes the electrical and carpentry trades as well as refrigeration plant construction. The advancement of energy-efficient refurbishment is also making itself felt."
In addition to repair and maintenance work, the roofing trade is currently focussing primarily on the energy-efficient renovation of buildings. The further training course offered by the Central Association of the German Roofing Trade (ZVDH) to become a certified PV manager in the roofing trade has now been completed 3,500 times. The roofing trade is therefore "ready to help shape the climate transition - and with the necessary expertise and skills."
Stable trainee numbers have strengthened the roofing trade for years
The latest figures show a pleasing increase in training in the roofing trade. There are currently 8,490 young people learning this trade, which is a slight increase compared to the previous year. Rolf Fuhrmann, Deputy Managing Director of the ZVDH, emphasises the positive development despite the general training situation and intense competition with other professions. The ZVDH has been providing extensive material for many years to support companies in recruiting young talent. One focus here is on vocational schools, where roofing companies position themselves as climate tradesmen as part of career guidance.
Practical online teaching programme for sustainable training
In order to better prepare the increasing number of trainees for their career start in a booming climate trade, NEW LIFE offers vocational schools and training companies in the roofing and carpentry trades a free online learning programme. The eight modular lessons range from environmental protection in the company, waste prevention and circular economy on the roof to the advantages and possible uses of sustainable recycled products made from tyre rubber granulate in attics, roof trusses and on (green) roofs, roof terraces and balconies.
To introduce the topic, a short educational film is provided in each lesson, which can be watched and discussed with the class. Suggestions and suitable materials for group work are provided in teamwork modules. For example, pupils can complete an environmental protection checklist, determine their personal carbon footprint or develop ideas for roof terrace objects made from recycled materials.
Interactive modules enable trainees to intuitively test the application and design possibilities of sustainable recycled products made from tyre rubber granulate. For example, students can use the online floor designer to create customised designs for elastic floor coverings made from rubber granulate for roof terraces, balconies or maintenance paths. Another tool can be used to determine the material requirements for surfaces on roofs, roof terraces and balconies.
Request a free sample pack to accompany your lessons
Schools, vocational colleges and training companies can request a sample pack free of charge and without obligation in order to better communicate the content in class. The package contains samples and sample folders of high-quality building protection mats for building roofs, impact sound insulation and various floor coverings for roof terraces, maintenance paths and balconies. You will also find samples of coloured rubber granules in the package. The sample pack can be ordered free of charge here: https://initiative-new-life.de/new-life-macht-schule/dachdecker/#materialpaket-formular
