The roofing industry has a well-documented pipeline problem. The average roofer in the UK is now 54 years old, and the entry-level training needed to bring new talent through has been hard to find. Langley is doing something about it.
The Langley Roofing Academy opened its doors on Monday at United Colleges Group in West London, welcoming its first London cohort of new entrants into a five-day, fully funded practical programme. No prior experience was required. Most participants are from Enfield and Haringey boroughs.
The programme was built with employers and learners at the centre. Over five days, learners cover roofing membranes and build-ups, flat roofing principles, surface preparation, fire safety, asbestos awareness, and liquid-applied systems. Every participant completes ROSPA-accredited health and safety courses alongside the hands-on roofing work. Retrofit and net zero principles are embedded throughout, giving learners working knowledge of where the industry is heading, not just where it has been.
Tony Silvestri, CEO of Langley, opened the academy this morning: “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.”
James Wilson, Principal of United Colleges Group, added: “When education and industry work closely together, young people benefit in ways that neither can deliver alone. Langley’s commitment to investing in the next generation is something we’re proud to support. Programmes like this create real routes into employment, and we hope others across the industry will take note.”
McConnell Group, principal partner on the programme, has funded the travel and contributed to learner safety boots. CWG and Mattison Scaffolding have also contributed to the PPE and provided lunch for the learners. On completing the course, every learner receives a starter toolkit and keeps the funded PPE.
The week closes on Friday 19 June with an Industry Day and certificate ceremony. Employers attending include CWG, Ridge Consultancy and Mattisons Scaffolding, who will observe practical sessions, speak directly with learners about routes into the industry, and meet graduates at the ceremony. There will be visiting students from another CSCS course attending to talk to the learners about their experience. Career matching and advice sessions are also built into the afternoon programme with Jamila Robertson from Ask Louis.
Further courses dates are being finalised for cohorts in September and November. Course developments include creating a new entry level roofer qualification and the introduction of local pop-up training hubs to bring delivery closer to employers and learners across the country.
