Roofing Industry Gets Seven Nominations at Inspire Awards

NO LESS THAN seven roofing companies and organisations have been shortlisted for awards at the Inspire Awards which will be held on 8 July 2021.

The Inspire Awards aims to encourage a diverse workforce and inclusive culture in the built environment industry. 

The nominations for the roofing industry are:

Most Inspiring Awareness Campaign

The Proud to Promote Roofing Campaign – Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group

This campaign promotes the roofing industry in schools, colleges, and at careers events by delivering roadshows. It has developed a range of resources to provide interactive activities for young people considering career opportunities.

Most Inspiring Apprenticeship Programme

Langley Waterproofing Systems

Langley Waterproofing Systems started delivering the Waterproofing Membranes Installer NVQ L2 qualification to roofing apprentices, as part of the Government’s Trailblazer initiative in 2019. They have successfully trained 52 apprentices across the country, with plans to extend their training offer further.

A Langley spokesperson said, “As a business, we have invested heavily in experienced staff to deliver training not readily available to contractors and clients across the UK. The skills shortage in our industry has never been more prominent with fewer young people taking up a career in construction the workforce is steadily getting older with 22% now over 50 and 15% over 60 years old. For this reason, attracting new people to the sector and providing them with the correct level of training is crucial.

“It’s been a hard but rewarding journey to date, and to see the progress of the apprentices in such a short space of time cements our commitment to training and upskilling operatives of the future.”

Most Inspiring Training Programme

Building Futures Programme – SPV Road Carpet

This project has delivered a range of training to young people in the West Midlands and has recently been replicated to expand geographic delivery.

Most Inspiring Supplier

Langley Waterproofing Systems

Langley has consistently supported Roof Training Groups by delivering seminars to young people to encourage them to consider roofing as a career.

A Langley spokesperson said, “We take great pride in invitations we receive to deliver seminars to young people looking to begin their journey in construction and offer any advice from our own personal experiences. Furthermore, it’s not only supporting those externally, but also internally, we invest in our assets, our team, with comprehensive training to ensure their safety and competence, accredited independently by a national qualification body. We also have programmes in place to advocate internal growth and procedures to ensure diversity and equality alongside supporting employees with other aspects such as mental health.”

Most Inspiring Rising Star

Jennifer Kinsella, Nominee: Most Inspiring Rising Star

Jennifer Kinsella – SPV Group

“I feel like I have been on a massive journey to get to where I am today.  I am so pleased to receive this nomination; my goal was always to get my SMSTS qualification which I have now achieved, so I am really happy.”

Most Inspiring Role Model

Jackie Biswell – Apex Roofing

Jackie Biswell started her own roofing company in 2012. Since then she has successfully grown the company working with several main contractors on major contracts. She makes regular thought leading contributions to the industry press and has become a leading role model figure in UK roofing.

Most Inspiring Mentor

Kate Whatley – SPV Road Carpet

Rozalind Richardson, Nominee: Most Inspiring Mentor

Rozalind Richardson – Proteus Waterproofing

Both these nominations provide outstanding examples of the progress that can be made within a company that has support in place for staff and students.  Although nominated in the same category at the Inspire Awards, they are both supporting each other and delighted to have been nominated for this award.

>> Read more about diversity in the roofing industry in the news