The Rooflight Association has presented its first training session, a key step forward in its mission to support good practice and ensure growth in all areas of the roofing sector. The course was delivered in collaboration with the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA).
Chair of The Rooflight Association, Mark Wilcox delivered the rooflight training module to candidates on the LRWA’s specialist applied-skills programme (SAP). This is a fully-funded training programme for those who are new to the industry or who have very little experience and is seen as the equivalent to an apprenticeship in specialist sectors.
The course, entitled ‘Rooflights, Maintenance and Waterproofing’ covered general rooflight information, including the different types of materials used to make rooflights, non-fragility ratings, plus fire and thermal performance requirements. Candidates were advised on how to handle, install, replace and maintain rooflights.
The training also included practicalities such as how to plan work and address health and safety issues. A hands-on session followed with trainees applying a Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) roofing system to some sections of rooflight kerb. They were taught how to clean and prepare the surface; apply various coatings; what to do if the weather deteriorates; how to finish the job, and clean-up.
The training programme was produced with the support of Rooflight Association members – Velux Commercial, Brett Martin, Filon Products, Hambleside Danelaw and Glazing Vision. The association also sought expertise from individuals from across the membership.
Commenting on the experience and the launch of the association’s inaugural training course, Chair of The Rooflight Association, Mark Wilcox said: “This is an important milestone for The Rooflight Association, and we wish to thank the LRWA not least for the opportunity, but also for their support.
“Developing a training module has been a long-standing goal for the RA, and while it was hard work, it was a great team effort and I am proud that we, as the UK’s pre-eminent independent provider of rooflighting technical information, now have a viable training course and we can help develop the roofing experts of the future. With competence an important requirement of the Building Safety Act, training such as this is vital, and whilst this course doesn’t prove it alone, it is a key contributor.”
The Rooflight Association will support the next SAP cohort in March 2026.
Sarah Spink added:
“Thank you to the Rooflight Association for your contribution to the SAP training. The trainees found your presentation engaging and informative – we really appreciate the effort that it has taken to get to this point. It is a great example of how collaboration can really raise the bar in training. You have done your sector proud.”
Sarah Spink
LRWA Chief Executive Officer
