What happened
Selco Builders Warehouse has launched a week-long Trade Week programme, starting on Monday 2 November 2026. The initiative takes place at Gloucestershire College and is intended to provide students with exposure to skilled trade careers. According to Roofing Today, the programme includes a series of free workshops and product demonstrations throughout the week.
Trade brands including SPAX, Fakro, Milwaukee, Degafloor, and Cure It are delivering sessions for students. These sessions introduce students to professional fixings, power tools, roofing and flooring systems, and adhesives. The aim is to strengthen the connection between education and industry by enabling students to use industry-standard products and meet sector businesses.
Students are able to attend any of the sessions at no cost. The focus is on practical, hands-on activities rather than theory. According to Roofing Today, the event hopes to help students start their careers in skilled trades, with particular emphasis on construction disciplines such as roofing.
The background
Selco Builders Warehouse developed the Trade Week initiative in partnership with Gloucestershire College. The programme is an effort to offer students more direct engagement with construction sector opportunities, as opposed to general DIY instruction.
The programme responds to concerns in the construction industry about the skills gap and the need for new entrants. Several employers and sector bodies have highlighted the importance of attracting young people to skilled trades. Roofing Today reports that events like Trade Week are intended to improve industry links and strengthen the pipeline of new entrants.
Participating brands, including leading suppliers of construction products and equipment, have regularly worked with training providers to promote technical skills. Gloucestershire College is the host of the event, supporting students to learn about various specialisms in the built environment, including roofing and cladding trades.
What people are saying
David Dello, Shopfloor Manager at Selco Builders Warehouse Cheltenham, told Roofing Today that supporting the next generation is vital to the company. He said that bringing young people closer to businesses can raise awareness of the career opportunities available.
Dello described the event as "a fantastic opportunity" for students to connect with the wider industry. He said that collaboration between businesses and educational institutions makes it easier to show students the different routes into a trade career. He also emphasised hopes that students would gain a clear understanding of the pathways available as they approach the workforce.
Brands involved in the event are each leading one of the session types, demonstrating industry tools, materials, and techniques. The event highlights the role of private sector partners in providing training and promoting trades as a career choice. Roofing Today notes that Selco intends to continue supporting training initiatives for young people in the future.
What happens next
Trade Week is being held at Gloucestershire College over the course of one week in early November 2026. The organisers have provided more information on the college’s website, including a schedule of sessions. Roofing Today reports that students will have repeated opportunities to attend different sessions and meet industry partners during the week.
There has been no announcement of further Trade Weeks at other colleges. However, organisers from Selco Builders Warehouse expressed a desire to continue fostering links with education and expanding similar initiatives.
Several session partners—including trade brands and product suppliers—have previously supported other industry-focused events for students. Roofing Today indicates that these partnerships may continue in response to sector demand for skilled entrants.