The CITB has unveiled the next round of projects for its Flexible and Structured funding, among them a new robot roofing initiative that could dramatically reduce accidents on site.
15 industry-led projects have been successful in this latest round, representing a total investment of just under £5m from CITB.
One of the most intriguing projects is Liverpool-based Lacy Roofing’s “Robots for Roofing” initiative, which will receive £15,000 over 12 months. The scheme will train five members of staff to fly drones to the Civil Aviation Authority standard.
Roofers will use the drones to carry out surveys and find faults, rather than getting up on the roof itself to carry out these tasks. If the pilot project is successful, it could be rolled out across the industry.
It is hoped that drones will improve safety by negating the need for workers to access roofs directly. Image: Mihocphoto/Dreamstime.com
By negating the need for staff to work at extreme height whist carrying out fault finding and surveys of roof works, it is hoped risks and accidents in this area will be dramatically reduced.
Other projects that have received a boost from the CITB include a project led by Mitie Property Services to train and support 60 adults with high-functioning autism or similar disabilities, who want to work in construction. It was awarded just under £500,000.
CITB has also approved a bid by Kier for just under £210,000 over 18 months to promote the construction sector to career changers and under-represented groups. The project is a collaborative partnership between Kier, Midas Construction and ISG and their supply chain.
Geeta Nathan, head of economic analysis at CITB, said: “These high-calibre applicants have the potential to transform the industry and change the lives of many individuals, and we are pleased to be supporting them with industry investment.”
