Roofing Academy Welcomes First London Cohort

The Langley Roofing Academy welcomed its first London cohort of new entrants on Monday for a five-day, fully funded training programme at United Colleges Group in West London.

The programme covers roofing membranes and build-ups, flat roofing principles, surface preparation, fire safety, asbestos awareness, and liquid-applied systems.

Every participant will complete ROSPA-accredited health and safety courses alongside the hands-on roofing work, and retrofit and net zero principles are embedded throughout to give learners working knowledge of where the industry is heading.

Pathway into Employment

Langley CEO Tony Silvestri opened the academy, commenting: “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.”

First London Cohort

McConnell Group, principal partner on the programme, funded the travel and contributed to learner safety boots. CWG and Mattison Scaffolding also contributed to the PPE and provided lunch for the learners. On completing the course, every learner will receive a starter toolkit and keep 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 also 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.

Langley says further course dates are now 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.

Find out more about the Langley Roofing Academy or register your interest in a future cohort.

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