In a moment set to mark a defining milestone for Triflex and the wider liquid roofing sector, Shane Copestake is celebrated as the winner of the prestigious LRWA Trainer of the Year Award 2026. His win recognises years of dedication to raising industry standards, nurturing thousands of trainees, and strengthening professional excellence across the UK.
Shane’s exceptional track record made him a standout contender long before awards night. Over 3,000 trainees have benefited from his guidance through the Triflex Academy, where his approachable, expert-led style has consistently earned top ratings. In fact, 96.5% of attendees rated his instruction at the highest level, with 96% passing their assessments on the first attempt, reflecting his ability to translate complex technical knowledge into real-world competence.
This year's Trainer of the Year category was introduced by the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) to honour individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill development, safety leadership, and technical excellence. Shane had already been formally shortlisted as one of only three finalists across all LRWA member organisations.
A proud moment for Triflex
Speaking on Shane’s achievement, Tony Mills, Director at Triflex, shared his enthusiasm:
“Being shortlisted for multiple projects and having Shane recognised for his training excellence is a proud moment for Triflex. It reflects our focus on innovation, collaboration, and delivering the highest standards for our clients and partners.”
With Shane now to have secured the top accolade, this moment symbolises the culmination of his dedication to industry development and the continued growth of Triflex’s training programme.
A win that reflects an industry’s progress
The LRWA Awards Dinner, hosted at the iconic Titanic Hotel in Liverpool, brings together more than 400 leaders, technicians, manufacturers, and contractors to celebrate excellence across multiple award categories. The newly introduced format for Trainer of the Year award shines a spotlight on the individuals driving skill advancement across the UK's rapidly evolving waterproofing industry.
Shane’s win acts as both a personal triumph and a recognition of the critical role that informed, inspired, and technically proficient trainers play in shaping the future of roofing and waterproofing.
Recognised for dynamic, high‑impact learning delivery
LRWA trainer, Stewart Orton reflected on the live training session that was observed as part of the assessment, “This individual has been recognised for delivering high‑quality training that truly brings learning to life. His presentations stood out for transforming what could have been a standard PowerPoint into something visual, dynamic and genuinely engaging, supported by well‑structured practical demonstrations.”
“In every aspect of his delivery, he demonstrated excellent subject knowledge, clear communication, and a learner‑centred approach that epitomises outstanding training practice, marking him out as a worthy winner from an exceptionally strong field.”
Sarah Spink, CEO of the LRWA commented, "Shane’s recognition is a testament to the passion and professionalism that drive excellence within our sector. His dedication to high quality training, commitment to safety, and ability to inspire learners reflect the values the LRWA seeks to champion. We are proud to celebrate individuals like Shane, whose leadership and skill development efforts strengthen not only their organisations but the entire liquid roofing and waterproofing industry."
Looking ahead
Shane’s win reflects his personal excellence and the LRWA’s core criteria, including technical skill, effective training delivery, safety, innovation, mentorship, and industry impact. His work embodies these standards: from delivering high quality, hands on sessions to developing future professionals, reinforcing safe working practices, and championing continuous improvement across the sector.
This award positions Shane as a role model for the next generation of liquid roofing and waterproofing specialists and highlights the positive impact that exceptional training leadership brings to the industry.