08/10/2026
Youth unemployment and the skills shortage facing the construction industry present the perfect opportunity for manufacturers, training providers and roofing contractors to bridge the gap, gain much-needed manpower and help change lives at the same time.
That's why, last week, Marley, in partnership with Bauder, South and City College Birmingham and the Department for Work and Pensions, held an introductory presentation on how roofing contractors and prospective learners can support each other through bootcamp schemes that prepare young people to work on site, contribute to the team and follow all relevant health and safety procedures.
This tried-and-tested approach, combining training provided by manufacturers and training centres, delivers results not just for the learners and contractors involved, but also for the local community by helping to pass on valuable skills and ensuring the trades not only survive but thrive.
For us at Marley, social value is about the practical, not merely the ideal. From local initiatives to systematic process changes, what matters most is making a tangible, positive impact on people's lives.
We extend our special thanks to Kimberley Roberts of Equans UK & Ireland, Tom Raftery of Bauder and Lydia Hunter of Marley for their presentations, as well as to all members of staff from Marley and our partner organisations who helped make this happen.
