TRAINING ACADEMY
Langley welcomes first London cohort to help address skills shortage
54
The average age of a roofer in the UK today.
Bringing younger talent into the industry isn’t optional. It’s urgent.
The Langley Roofing Academy opened its doors this morning at United Colleges Group in West London, welcoming its first London cohort of young people into a five-day, fully funded practical programme. No prior experience was required. Most participants are from Enfield, with Enfield Council among the supporting partners.
The programme was built with employer expectations 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 four 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.
What the week looks like
MONDAY
Induction, safe use of tools, roofing membranes and build-ups
Tuesday
Manual handling, flat roofing principles, surface preparation
Wednesday
Fire safety, repairs and maintenance for flat roofing
Thursday
Asbestos awareness and liquid-applied systems
Friday
Industry Day and certificate ceremony: contractors, employers, and career advisors on site
What learners take away
McConnell Group, principal partner on the programme, has funded all PPE for participants. On completing the course, every learner receives:
- 4 ROSPA-accredited health and safety courses
- Hands-on practical roofing skills
- Retrofit and net zero knowledge
- Direct access to employers and contractors
- Interview and progression opportunities
- A starter toolkit: toolbelt, tape measure, gloves, and specialist roofing scrapers
- Safety boots and hi-vis vest (funded by McConnell Group) to keep
Benefits to employers
- Job‑ready entry-level talent
- Relevant accredited courses
- Practical roofing capability
- Reduced recruitment risk
- Improved site behaviour & retention
- Retrofit‑aware workforce
“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.”
Tony Silvestri, CEO, Langley
What learners said
“I very much appreciated the opportunity that was provided by Langley, both instructors Dean and Nathan couldn’t get any better.”
“The certificate speaks for itself! In 5 days you have achieved skills that could make ‘for a better life’ “
“Much appreciated Callum. Thank you, Dean and Nathan for a constructive and concise course to take part in.”
Industry Day, 19 June
The week closes on Friday 19 June with an Industry Day and certificate ceremony. Employers will observe practical sessions, speak directly with learners about routes into the sector, and meet graduates at the ceremony. Career matching and advice sessions are built into the afternoon programme.
Employers and Career Advice attending:
“When education and industry work closely together, young people benefit in ways that neither can deliver alone. Programmes like this create real routes into employment, and we hope others across the industry will take note.”
James Wilson, Principal, United Colleges Group
What comes next
This first London cohort is the start of something bigger. Two further cohorts are already confirmed for 2026, and Langley is working towards NOCN qualification recognition and the introduction of local pop-up training hubs to bring the programme closer to employers and learners across the country.
Next course dates:
w/c 7 September 2026
Location TBC
w/c 16 November 2026
Location TBC
Interested in a future cohort?
Register your interest and we’ll be in touch with details on the next available course.
DELIVERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
For more information, please get in touch with our team
Interested in the Langley Roofing Academy? Get in touch with our training team to find out more about upcoming cohorts, employer partnerships, or learner opportunities.
training@langley.co.uk