BMI reveals roofing’s top 20 for the Apprentice of the Year finals

20 Jun 2019

Twenty of the country’s best roofing apprentices are gearing up for the two-day final that will see two of them awarded the prestigious title of either pitched or flat roofing BMI Apprentice of the Year 2019.

Success in the competition identifies an apprentice as a stand-out individual with a bright future in the sector.

Previous finalists have gone on to win multiple other awards, founded their own businesses or represented the industry and recruited new entrants as Construction Ambassadors with the CITB.

The finalists have been selected from building colleges nationwide – they come from all manner of backgrounds, proving the attraction of a skilled trade in construction, whether youngsters fresh from school or those seeking a second career – such as former members of the armed forces.

The competition is part of a strategy by BMI UK & Ireland – the UK’s largest manufacturer of flat and pitched roofing and waterproofing solutions – to address the challenges faced by the building industry in meeting the ambitious Government housing targets.

The industry must recruit 700,000 more people to replace those retiring or moving on, plus an extra 120,000 if the government’s aim to build one million new homes by 2020 is to come to fruition.

Mat Woodyatt, BMI Technical Training Manager, commented: “Skills shortages are a pressing issue across construction as a whole; yet perhaps most keenly felt in roofing.

“These shortages hinder recruitment, and national building capacity – and if not properly addressed, in time the sector will struggle to deliver the roofs we need.”

“The competition is part of a group philosophy to recognise and reward those coming into the industry; as part of wider initiatives to raise the appeal of roofing and motivate more youngsters and career-changers to get involved.”

The final takes place over two days – July 2 and 3 – at the BMI Academy in South Cerney, Gloucestershire.

Finalists will receive professional coaching on all aspects of running a roofing business – including business planning, presentation skills, and technical skills – before being assessed, making this a complete learning experience.

A selection of leading figures in the roofing industry will be judging the candidates; as well as this, they will also take part in ‘knowledge-sharing sessions’ over the two days, to answer questions and share the benefits of their experience to help pass the baton on to this next generation of roofers.

The competition culminates with the Apprentice of the Year Awards Dinner – consisting of the 20 finalists, their tutors and employers, and judges – where the winners of the 2019 competition will be announced.

BMI