As part of their continuous support towards the training and development of future roofers, Midland Lead has been supplying thousands of pounds of raw materials and tools to colleges, all for free. Now, the independent lead manufacturer has added five new institutions to the portfolio of colleges they support across the country. Over the last six year, Midland Lead has built a successful rapport with Leeds College of Building (LCB) and realised it was time to create more relationships. As of March, the company has committed to supporting six colleges across the country, including Leeds College of Building, Newcastle College, South Devon College, Eastern Region Roof Training Group, Dudley College and the South Coast Roof Training Group. Midland Lead will be supplying colleges with up to a metric tonne of rolled lead, at the current market value of £2,200. On top of that, the company provides lead working tools, tool belts and other ancillary products, such as sealant and patination oil, all free of charge. “Without the support we receive from Midland Lead our apprentice students wouldn’t be able to work with lead itself,” said Chris Messenger, tutor at LCB. To keep costs at a minimum, many colleges tend to use plastic alternative-lead products, but this has its downsides. “It is only by using the actual material that apprentices can learn best practice when it comes to working with lead itself,” added Chris. Moreover, at the end of the term, Midland Lead collects and recycles the lead that has been used, making sure that nothing goes to waste. Since its successful relationship with LCB, the manufacturer has been welcoming student groups to their site for factory tours; an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about the various processes behind lead manufacture. “As a national supplier of lead it is vital that companies like Midland Lead are doing their bit to bridge the skills gap and help the construction industry as a whole. Making these links between companies and institutions helps to do just that. As the future buyers of construction materials, forming relationships with the prospective workforce, and making them aware of lead as a sustainable and durable product, is so worthwhile for the future of our trade,” concluded Lynn Street, marketing and sales manager, as well as the person behind the initiative since the start of the year.