When eleven young people from Enfield and Haringey walked into United Colleges Group in Paddington last Monday, most of them had no roofing experience. By Friday, the had ROSPA-accredited health and safety qualifications, hands-on practical skills, a starter toolkit,and a certificate. One of them already has a job.
Within hours of graduating from the Langley Roofing Academy’s first ever London programme, one learner had secured employment and starts work on Monday morning. It is the kind of outcome the academy was built to create — and Langley is continuing to work with every graduate through its network of approved contractors to help them secure employment or work
experience as they take their first steps in the trade.
The five-day programme, run by roofing and waterproofing specialist Langley Waterproofing Systems in partnership with United Colleges Group, McConnell Group, Ridge Consultancy, CWG and Mattisons Scaffolding, gave learners direct access to working industry professionals throughout the week. Safety training, practical sessions on a working roof and one-to-one
employer contact were all part of the programme. Every learner who completed it walked away
with a funded toolkit to start their career.
Tony Silvestri, CEO of Langley, said: “With the average roofer now aged 54, attracting younger people into this industry isn’t optional, it’s urgent. This programme gives learners practical skills, real industry contact, and a genuine pathway into employment. The social value we can create through partnerships like this with McConnell Group and United Colleges Group is exactly what the sector needs more of.”
The programme is free for learners. Employers covered travel and workwear, and learners received lunch throughout the week. The academy was created to remove every barrier that might stop someone from showing up.
Friday’s Industry Day brought employers and partners together for the graduation ceremony, marking the end of the first London week and the start of what Langley plans to be a regular programme. A second cohort is planned for September, with a third to follow in November.
Anyone interested in future cohorts can find out more and register at
langley.co.uk/training/roofing-academy/
