THE REAL McCOY Issue Five

By Daryl Cooke

This week: Working with Schools & Colleges

At RMG, we’re not just about roofs. We’re about people.

One thing me and Nikki care deeply about is helping the next generation, especially those who aren’t sure what comes after school. We’ve had the privilege of working with schools and colleges, offering hands-on training days where students get to experience the roofing and solar industry up close.

We’ve done this at several schools already, including my old school, St Edward’s in Romsey. That one was personal. I returned not as a struggling student with ADHD and dyslexia, but as someone who’s built a future in this trade. Being able to go back and show the kids what’s possible was powerful.

We bring in makeshift roofs, demo the build-up, and let the students try their hand at:

• Slating and tiling

• Liquid waterproofing

• Understanding how a real roof goes together

It gives them a real feel for the trade — not just the tools, but the variety. Roofing isn’t one job. We do everything from solar installations and natural lead work, to traditional slating and tiling, warm roof felting, Single Ply membranes, and modern liquid systems. There’s a skillset for everyone in this industry, whether you love working with your hands, solving technical problems, or leading teams.

But it goes beyond tools. We talk about:

• What you actually earn as an apprentice, a skilled labourer, or a business owner

• Tax, National Insurance, and how pay really works

• Real-life decisions no one teaches you in a classroom

There’s a massive shortage of skilled workers in the roofing and solar industry. We see it every day. And if no one steps in to change that, it’ll only get worse.

Just look at this stat I came across the other day (image below):

41% of our workforce is retiring by 2031

Only 3% of young adults are even considering construction

If we don’t act, Gen Z won’t build this industry. They’ll bury it.

And the thing is — the opportunity is huge. Roofing and solar are industries crying out for good people. If more young people could just see what’s ahead of them, the potential is massive. You can build a real career, earn well early, run your own business, and be part of something that’s not going anywhere.

The results are endless if we show them what’s possible.

Thankfully, some of the great manufacturers we work with regularly offer their time and resources to help with these youth days, and that’s fantastic to see. But we need more of it. This is bigger than any one company. We’re at a turning point.

It’s down to us now to put the work in and protect the future of our trade. If we don’t, who will?

That’s why part of RMG’s long-term mission is this:

“To leave the roofing and solar industry in a better condition than it was when we found it.”

That means giving back. Teaching. Opening doors for people who’ve never seen roofing as a real career option, especially kids who might just need someone to believe in them.

On top of all this, RMG also carries out full roofing works for schools and colleges. From leak repairs to complete roof renewals, we do it safely, cleanly, and with full certification, always with students’ and staff’s wellbeing in mind.

If you work at or know a school, college, or youth organisation that could use either:

✅ A training or demo day to inspire young people

✅ Roofing works carried out professionally and safely

Please drop me an email: daryl@roofingmattersgroup.com

Let’s raise the standard. Let’s raise the next generation.

Daryl

RMG