Marvin OnumonuSika’s UK roofing division has teamed up with training provider GLA Group to tackle the construction skills shortage and offer flat roofing skills to prisoners nearing release.
The partnership kicked off in April 2024 after Mark Harris, head of sustainability – roofing at Sika, spotted a LinkedIn post by Andy Bird, director of GLA Group, about roofing training in prisons.
Harris recognised shared values between Sika and GLA Group around social value and community impact.
Bird launched the GLA Group training centre in 2017 to address the shortage of skilled roofers.
After learning two foremen in his own company had served time in prison, Bird saw the benefit of structured training in prisons to give men better job prospects.
Sika has supplied free single-ply and liquid applied roofing materials and supported in-prison training at HMP Chelmsford and HMP Hollesley Bay, with plans to expand to other prisons in the UK.
Trainers have also joined Sika’s internal courses so the same standards are used in prisons and with Sika’s contractor partners.
At HMP Hollesley Bay, learners replaced 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 support on site, while GLA Group supplied scaffolding and the prison contributed labour from men who had finished the single-ply roofing course.
Bird said: “This is more than just giving people skills, it’s giving them hope, structure, and a real second chance.
“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 open to men in prison with less than 12 weeks left on their sentence.
There are no formal entry requirements, which removes barriers for those with limited education.
Assessments cover practical and written skills, quoting, method statements, and safety procedures.
Plans are in place to expand into women’s prisons and offer rooftop safety training including a five-year ladder safety certification.
Mark Dunn, head of training – roofing at Sika, said: “Supporting this training aligns with everything we stand for at Sika.
“It’s not just about tackling the skills gap; it’s about recognising potential and investing in people who are ready to make a change.”
