Celebrating Roof Builders of the Future

At wienerberger we believe our commitment to excellence goes beyond the products we create. It includes our dedication to supporting local communities, fostering educational growth, and nurturing future roofing professionals. We are proud to showcase how our Sandtoft and Keymer roofing teams have passionately contributed to local colleges, schools, and communities through product donations, exclusive behind-the-scenes factory tours, and engaging hands-on practical sessions.

Connecting with Leeds College of Building

One of the prime examples of our community engagement is our enduring partnership with Leeds College of Building. We frequently collaborate with the college, offering resources and organising events to enrich the learning experience for their Roofing Skills & Training (RS&T) apprentices.

• Factory Tours: On numerous occasions, we have invited the RS&T apprentices to our Broomfleet factory, offering them an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how our clay tiles are manufactured. These tours provide invaluable hands-on experience, allowing apprentices to experience how all clay tiles and their components are manufactured.   
  
  
• Product Donations: wienerberger regularly supply Leeds College of Building with free-of-charge materials for training, ensuring all apprentices have access to the best possible resources and equipment. 
  
  
• Training Days: In our commitment to educate the next generation of roofers, our roof experts often conduct CPD (Continuing Professional Development) sessions, such as in-roof solar roof training at our Centre of Excellence facility within our Sandtoft production site.

Dale Yates, Roofing Lecturer and Assessor at Leeds College of Building applauded wienerberger’s dedication to supporting the college - “It is just extraordinary what some companies will do in expressing their support for our next generation of roofers. Our RS&T first-year group had an opportunity to experience how all the clay tiles are manufactured. Thank you so much for allowing our apprentices this fantastic opportunity”.

Strengthening Skills with Optimum Skills Limited 

Optimum Skills Construction Academy in Gateshead was established to guide young individuals into construction careers through hands-on experience, addressing the industry's skills gap. Through our partnership with Optimum Skills, we support the training of bricklaying and roofing apprentices, equipping them with vital skills and knowledge.

• Career Development Seminars: Sandtoft’s roofing experts, Steve Wearne and Nigel Dyer, lead CPD sessions to elevate apprentices' knowledge and technical skills. These sessions encompass a broad spectrum of techniques, from slating to Winchester cuts, ensuring the academy provides thorough and well-rounded training.
  
  
• Donations and Support: We have donated a range of roofing tiles essential for daily training. Terry Shaw, a tutor and assessor at Optimum Skills, expressed his gratitude, stating: "On behalf of our apprentices and trainees at Optimum Skills Limited, we extend our heartfelt thanks to wienerberger UK for donating Plain tiles, T&H, and Eaves tiles. Your generosity is truly appreciated."

Sparking Creativity in the Community

 Our commitment to community engagement goes beyond formal education. We actively participate in programmes that enrich lives and spark creativity. 

• In-School Sessions on Clay Carving: Partnering with North Yorkshire skills, we conduct in-school sessions where students learn the art of clay carving, connecting traditional craftsmanship with modern applications. 
  
  
• Engagement Days: Our team often attend engagement days at local heritage sites. Most recently Nigel Dyer and Ian Martinson from our Heritage Services team organised an engagement day at Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire that introduced students to the beauty and intricacies of clay roofing. These sessions are instrumental in igniting interest and passion among young learners. 

At wienerberger we take immense pride in our role as community supporters and educators. By continuously engaging with local colleges, schools, and communities, we strive to make a lasting impact. Whether through factory tours, training days, or in-school sessions, our goal remains the same: to foster growth, inspire innovation, and support the next generation of roofing professionals. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in these initiatives for their dedication and passion.