APPRENTICES are being given a helping hand on the career ladder after Bolton College joined forced with a national company.

The college ­— one of a limited roofing apprenticeship providers in England ­— has teamed up with Burton Roofing Merchants, which distribute roofing materials worldwide, and have over 35 years’ experience in the roofing trade.

Recently Burton Roofing Merchant’s Nick Blackshaw and Callum Cowham, visited the college to present the Roofing Department with £1,000 credit to spend at their Stockport branch.

The funds will be used for materials to support the apprentices in their training.

It’s not the first time Burton Roofing Merchants have supported roofing apprentices and trainees. Leeds College of Building, Edinburgh College, Dundee & Angus College and Newcastle College have already benefited from their generosity.

The company have also sponsored the prestigious SkillBuild, the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices.

Bolton College students compete in SkillBuild every year and even hosted this year’s regional heats, with many of the college’s students reaching the WorldSkills finals.

Nick Blackshaw, Manager of the Stockport branch, met the students to discuss the trade and to see how the money will be spent.

He said: “It is really important to keep skilled tradespeople coming into the industry. As a company we are very proud to support Bolton College and the students attending.”

Luke O’Gorman, one of the College’s Roofing Lecturers, added: “I was delighted to meet Nick and Callum. We are incredibly grateful for their sponsorship, and it was lovely to meet them so that we could thank them in person.

“Our roofing apprentices will benefit massively from this, and we’re already looking forward to future sponsorship opportunities with Burton Roofing Supplies.”

Callum Cowham, who is Burton Roofing Merchant’s Head of Marketing, said: “Burton Roofing is proud to support Bolton College. We first came to learn about the College through the NFRC trade show and we are really impressed with the syllabus, facilities and great staff.