When seeking guidance for projects, roofing contractors frequently put their trust in merchants. Nick King, Portfolio Manager at Klober, discusses how manufacturer-led training can equip merchants with the product and roofing theory knowledge they need to give contractors quality advice and service.
Merchants have a key role to play — being a trusted adviser and helping customers source the most suitable solutions for the application at hand. Understanding product and the regulatory landscape is therefore vital and helps to generate meaningful sales.
And to remain competitive and offer customers a quality service, online training courses and resources to build this knowledge can be extremely beneficial.
According to our 2022 insights survey, over one third (39%) of merchants feel manufacturer-led training is important. It’s hardly surprising when you consider the most in-depth product knowledge usually sits with those who have their ear to the ground. Nonetheless, there are still barriers to training uptake.
Restrictions on training
Where training is carried out on-site, budget limitations, time constraints and travel restrictions are common reasons why organisations and individuals don’t undertake training. Online training therefore eliminates many of these factors. Frequently called e-learning, this solution offers flexibility, enabling individuals to view resources at a time that suits them.
While practical, in-person training is crucial for understanding how to install roofing components, digital resources have a valuable place in supporting learning. Knowing how a ridge and hip system fits onto a roof, for example, is often easier to grasp with one’s own eyes, but online learning can support ongoing professional development.
“With changing pressures impacting construction, contractors and specifiers will require ongoing support to find fully considered solutions. Merchant teams can fulfil this service and enhance their offering through relevant and timely training.”
Product and theory knowledge
One way to understand product, how they are used and how they relate to the wider construction picture, is by completing manufacturer-led training. To balance this with demand for digital options, we have launched the Klober Training Zone.
Now live and available for merchants, the online platform offers a range of courses and modules covering installation and theory. Resources available on the platform will equip merchants with the knowledge to give customers more informed advice.
For those wanting an overview of what it’s like to do business with Klober, individuals could begin their learning journey with the modules ‘Introduction to Klober’ and ‘Filecamp: Klober’s Digital Asset Library’.
Merchants can also explore the importance of a healthy roof with topics such as ‘What makes up a roof?’ and ‘Why Ventilate?’ There’s then the opportunity to delve further into Klober’s product categories, from tile vents and eaves ventilation to membranes and lead flashing alternatives.
User experience
With the ‘My Dashboard’ feature, merchants can track and save their progress on modules which they can return to at a later stage. This enables flexible learning to suit the users’ schedule, without the need to restart and repeat courses when they run out of time.
At the end of every learning module, the merchant is given a short quiz to put their knowledge to the test. Once the questions are completed, the course is passed, and a certificate is available to print and store in their companies’ training logs.
Through these resources, those with experience can refresh their knowledge and keep skills up to date. If someone undertook a membrane training course five years ago, for example, they could benefit from refresher training to enhance existing understanding.
With changing pressures impacting construction, contractors and specifiers will require ongoing support to find fully considered solutions. Merchant teams can fulfil this service and enhance their offering through relevant and timely training.
Online platforms, such as the Klober Training Zone, are therefore the ideal way to ensure flexibility and accessibility to continuing development alongside busy schedules.
