Supplying knowledge to make a skills difference

Housing associations can strengthen their supply chain by partnering with roof system manufacturers who go further.

The provision of proven product systems, a wide-ranging product portfolio and accessible technical support are roof manufacturing ‘must haves’. It helps the housing association sector balance cost, efficiency and sustainability considerations when it comes to developing low carbon, energy efficient homes for tenants.

Imparting best practice specification, encouraging design skills and sharing essential product knowledge so the next generation of professionals deliver well designed, warm and sustainable future homes for the housing association sector, highlights the importance of manufacturers taking a wider view.

Knowledge share
To this end, Marley is continuing to work alongside the school of architecture, design and the built environment at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to support and encourage the next generation of undergraduate architectural technologists.
Vince Conway, Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology at NTU, has long established links within the industry and has formed a collaborative relationship with Marley as a leading supplier to the construction industry.

He says: “Whilst classroom work is the basis by which our students learn and absorb information, exposing them to the reality of the design and product production process gives them a much broader understanding to inform the work they will be involved with in their future careers.

“Marley kindly agreed to host a visit back in January of 2025, and are repeating this initiative this January, so our budding architectural technologists could witness production first hand as well as speak with Marley’s industry experts. The students were very keen on this unique opportunity and got a lot of value from the experience.”

Teaching ambitions
The collaboration initiative with Marley helps form part of the department’s teaching ambition.

This is to ensure architectural technologists develop a thorough understanding of commonly specified building materials such as those used to create roof tiles and how they are used.

Vince explains, “While many students will be reliant upon the internet to source information, seeing how materials and products are developed from a manufacturing perspective is invaluable to create an all-round and more in-depth appreciation as they undertake their degree learnings.”

Teaching institutions such as NTU view the role of manufacturers as a vital part of delivering education relevance and excellence. The opportunity to witness the physical manufacture of the products they will work with in the future and seeing how, in Marley’s case, they are installed to create robust, aesthetically pleasing and high performing roofing solutions, expands student knowledge and strengthens belief in what is possible.

Future working
Marley is committed to hosting future NTU student visits, as well as fostering a closer relationship to further support student learnings in the architectural technology field.

Cadell Beasley, Area Specification Manager – Roofing & Solar PV for Marley, comments: “With the whole construction industry warning of skills shortages, it is important that everyone contributes to inspiring and encouraging the next generation who will be needed to deliver the housing solutions required for net zero.

“This is the start of a closer and more collaborative relationship with the department at NTU. The students are eager to learn more about the roof manufacturing industry, its products and its design possibilities. Marley is happy to facilitate this with in-depth insight around an essential component of the home design and construction process.”