Prestwick Academy Launch Innovative Roof Slating Course

Published: 9 March 2026

Prestwick Academy proudly launched a brand new National 5 Creative Industries Roofing course at an event held on Friday 27 February as part of their wider construction skills programme.

The initiative, delivered in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, DYW Ayrshire and the KRB Group, also works closely with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Traditional Building Forum. Together, these organisations provide young people with the opportunity to engage in a hands‑on, practical course that develops valuable skills and experience, while offering a first‑hand insight into roofing as a potential career pathway.

The brand-new school-based roofing programme supports young people by preparing pupils for real-world of work opportunities and helps to address industry skills shortages. It also helps fills a critical gap making vocational training more accessible, reducing travel barriers, and encouraging more young people to pursue apprenticeships in the roofing and construction industries.

The initiative highlights the growing national efforts to create accessible training routes for young people into skilled trades. The roofing course forms a key part of Prestwick Academy's wider construction skills programme which has earned recognition at national level and has consisted of various events focussing on masonry, roof slating, demolition, and health and safety.

The programme allows pupils to access essential qualifications such as the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card which proves an individual has the necessary training, qualifications and health and safety knowledge to access or work on construction sites. In addition to this, pupils will also achieve working at height awareness, manual handling awareness, abrasive wheels and asbestos awareness.

As part of the wider roofing project, pupils will gain real, hands‑on experience out with the classroom across a variety of roofing tasks at River Garden Auchincruive. Working closely with KRB Group, participants of the programme will gain exposure to real roofing practice across buildings that have been carefully restored over the past several years. This collaboration will allow pupils to see how their developing trade skills can contribute to projects that have a profound positive impact on the community.

Councillor William Grant, South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: "This is a fantastic initiative and excellent opportunity for pupils to gain a first-hand insight into the skilled trades industry and potential career opportunities. I am delighted to see such great innovation and commitment to supporting our young people into the world of work and have no doubt that this programme will be extremely invaluable for participants. I wish the school every success with the roofing project."

Andy Kerr, Managing Director of KRB Group said: "I have been honoured to spend a Wednesday afternoon working with the students of Prestwick Academy, who have shown great enthusiasm and passion towards the construction project. It has been great to see that the students involved in the project have grown in confidence and are continuously improving their slating skill set with each lesson.

Their ability to work as part of a team and individually throughout lessons has been impressive. All the students seem to enjoy the practical "hands-on" experience they are gaining on this course, and I hope they continue to build on these skills, taking them forward into the construction industry in the future."