Sika's UK Roofing Division has partnered with training provider GLA Group, which delivers prison education programmes across the UK, to help tackle the national construction skills shortage and provide the opportunity to 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 critical 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.

Sika's involvement has been transformative for the programme, having supplied substantial volumes of 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 the GLA Group has 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.

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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.

But Sika's contribution doesn't stop at materials. Sika now 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. In fact, 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.

Mark Harris and Mark Dunn, Head of Training – Roofing, from Sika were instrumental in developing the partnership, driven by a desire to give back to the industry and create tangible social value. Their belief in the project's potential has helped shape it into a sustainable and scalable model.

"Supporting this training aligns with everything we stand for at Sika," said Mark Dunn. "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."

For further information visit: Roofing Support functions.