SR Timber supports skills with donation to construction college

In a bid to support the next generation of construction workers and roofing contractors, SR Timber has donated a range of timber products totalling more than £6,000 in value to its local college.

The North Nottinghamshire-based company – which is a leading importer of timber products and the UK’s largest importer of roofing batten, including its flagship Premium Gold – made the donation to Vision West Nottinghamshire College’s Construction Centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

Nearly 200 students will benefit as a direct result of the donation of batten and panels, which the college estimates will keep them in raw materials for at least two years.

Students from the college – which offers full-time courses and apprenticeships – visited SR Timber’s depot in Huthwaite to collect the materials, and they were able to fill four transit vans.

Andrew Whyley, Programme Area Leader for Carpentry and Joinery at Vision West Nottinghamshire College, was delighted when SR Timber’s Trading Manager Mark Parkes got in touch to make the donation.

“We have more than 120 learners at different stages of the four-year training and another 70 apprentices, so, as you can image, we go through a lot of materials – which is why the donation from SR Timber is so gratefully received,” said Andrew. “Usually, local firms generously donate offcuts and other scrap, but in this case it feels like Christmas has come early.

“What we are most thrilled about is the quality of what has been supplied, as this means our learners can gain invaluable experience working with the calibre of raw materials that they will use in their chosen careers in different parts of the construction industry.

“We have roofing rigs so that learners can work with the batten, and the panels supplied can be used to construct soffits and fascias. The panels can also be used to make kitchen units, cabinets, flooring and skirting.”

As a former roofing contractor who gained skills and experience in slating and tiling working in his father’s business, SR Timber’s Trading Director Shaun Revill has been vocal in his support of initiatives that encourage the development and skills of the next generation of roofing and construction workers.

“Since we moved to Huthwaite, we’ve reached out on a number of fronts to become an active member and responsible supporter of our community in North Nottinghamshire, such as sponsoring a local football team and organising a charity fundraising event,” said Mr Revill.

“We’ve built links with Vision West Nottinghamshire College’s Construction Centre because they are championing the much-needed construction skills that this country needs moving forward, and we wanted to help by making a donation of materials.

“It’s our pleasure to be able to give batten and panels so that that students can work with the quality of materials that they will use when they complete their courses and start working in all the different sectors of the construction industry.”