FEATURE ROOFING
Developing the Next Generation The Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) has launched a new training scheme to enable trussed rafter designers to prove their knowledge and experience and put theory into practice.
T
russed rafters provide a structural framework to
David Murphy, has helped me make sure that I’ve experienced all the
support the roof fabric, ceilings or floors of buildings
necessary types of roof design in my day-to-day work so that I can
in both domestic and commercial structures. The
include them in my evidence books, and has supported me throughout.
manufacturing process for trussed rafters reduces
“It was hard at first because I was new to design, but the books are
emissions and pollution and there is minimal environmental impact
interactive and link you to helpful notes at the back which play a really
from installation.
big part in your understanding. The books are easy to navigate and it’s
The Designer Development Programme (DDP) was launched at a
straightforward uploading your designs. I haven’t felt under pressure
special careers event held recently for TRA members to address skills
to complete the books. I just set aside a few hours a week and felt I was
shortages in the industry. The DDP has seven levels and is based on the
learning on the job. It’s made me think more about feasibility, safety
completion of evidence books in which trainee designers must show
and the commercial aspects of a project before starting the design.”
their experience in five roof design scenarios.
Throughout the programme there are checkpoints at which the
Each set of five books is expected to take around six months
evidence books are assessed by an in-house assessor for the first four
to a year to complete, giving the trainees chance to encounter
levels, and externally, by a TRA registered assessor thereafter.
real-life design briefs in real-time. They must show their awareness
Jenni Bunny is a trainee designer at ETS Trusses in Shrewsbury. She
of commercial and technical aspects of the projects and include
is also on level one of the programmes and said: “I’m more commercially
knowledge of safety, efficiency, and best practice.
aware since being on the DDP. The workbooks remind you to consider
TRA chief executive Nick Boulton said: “The Designer Development
the viability, saleability and the manufacturing side of your designs. And
Programme is a great step forward for the TRA and its members.
of course, really importantly, about the logistics – can it be delivered? The
It offers the next generation of trussed rafter and metal web floor
good thing is that we now have a structured programme to show our
designers a structured programme for their development and will
knowledge and development as we progress and get more experienced.
provide them with a series of certificates and evidence books to show
My mentor at work has said he’s surprised at the progress I’ve made in just
their progress and experience gained.”
15 months with the company, which has made me feel proud of myself.”
Candidates must have completed introductory systems training and
The programme has been developed by the TRA’s training
the TRA online Essentials Training, developed with Edinburgh Napier
committee led by Richard George of timber engineering software
University, to undertake the DDP. Levels one and two are now available
provider MiTek. Other member companies involved in creating the
with seven trainees having already started the first level.
programme include Wolf System, ETS Trusses, ITW Construction
Leah Walters works at Donaldson Timber in Derbyshire and started
Products, Donaldson Timber Engineering, Armstrong Timber
off working in the reception there before deciding to re-train as a
Engineering, National Timber Systems, Arnold Laver, Pasquill,
designer. She took part in the beta testing for the scheme and will
Trussform, DWB Group and Crendon Timber.
soon be submitting her evidence books to her in-house assessor. She More at www.tra.org.uk
said: “It’s great to have been involved in testing the DDP. My assessor, Timber Construction Magazine
Spring 2022
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