Sika Partners with GLA Group to Deliver UK Prison Roofing Courses

Sika’s UK Roofing Division has partnered with training provider GLA Group to help tackle the national construction skills shortage by providing individuals in prison the chance to develop meaningful flat roofing skills that can help them secure employment upon release.

The partnership began in April 2024, when Mark Harris, Head of Sustainability – Roofing at Sika, spotted a post on LinkedIn about GLA’s roofing training in prisons from Andy Bird, Director of the GLA Group. After recognising the shared values between GLA and Sika, specifically a commitment to social value and long-term community impact, Sika was inspired to support the initiative.

Initially launched by Andy Bird in 2017, the GLA Group training centre aimed to address the shortage of skilled roofers in the UK. After learning that two foremen within his own company had previously served time in prison, Andy saw the potential of offering structured training in prisons to provide opportunities for men who often struggle to secure employment upon release.

In-Prison Roofing Training

As part of the partnership, Sika has supplied single ply and liquid applied roofing materials for free, as well as supporting the delivery of in-prison training at HMP Chelmsford and HMP Hollesley Bay, with discussions ongoing to extend the initiative to other prisons across the UK. Sika and GLA Group have also welcomed trainers onto their own internal courses, ensuring that the tuition delivered in prisons mirrors the exact standard offered to their roofing contractor partners.

One recent project at HMP Hollesley Bay, a D Category open prison, saw learners replace a leaking felt roof on a disused shed, converting it into an “Art Shack” for music and creative activities. Sika provided all roofing materials and offered on-site support, with GLA Group supplying scaffolding, and the prison contributing labour from men who had recently completed the single ply roofing course. The project went on to be shortlisted for a 2025 SPRA (Single Ply Roofing Association) Award.

Ongoing Support

Sika also offers all prison course participants access to free roofing training courses upon release, as many times as they need. Once learners are deemed work-ready, Sika can also fund their NVQ Level 2 qualification in roofing and connect them to its national network of employers.

One recent prison leaver is already in full-time employment after completing the course and earning their qualifications through Sika’s support.

“This is more than just giving people skills, it’s giving them hope, structure, and a real second chance,” said Andy Bird. “With Sika on board, this has become a full-circle strategy. We’re not just teaching roofing; we’re helping men rebuild their lives.”

The initiative is accessible to men in prison with 12 weeks or less remaining in their sentence. Unlike many prison education programmes, the courses have no formal entry requirements, removing barriers for those with limited prior education.

Practical and written assessments focus on real-world skills, including quoting, method statements, and safety procedures. Expansion plans include branching into women’s prisons and offering rooftop safety training that includes a five-year ladder safety certification.

Roofing Today previously visited Andy Bird at GLA Group’s HMP Kirkham facility to find out more and spoke to learners about the impact of this initiative. Read the full story here in Roofing Today’s November 2025 magazine.

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