Two roofing apprentices have been awarded the title of BMI Apprentice of the Year following two days of competition, earning a cash prize and unlocking hands-on training to support their future development.
The BMI Apprentice of the Year competition, which is now in its eighth year, is designed to support the next generation of roofers to showcase and strengthen their skills and passion for the industry. This year, 18 apprentices made it to the final of the competition which took place at the BMI Academy over two days on 24th & 25th July.
Leah Stewart, an apprentice with Roof & Fibre and Fife College, was crowned the BMI Redland Apprentice of the Year for Pitched Roofing, while Robbie Gosden of Taylor Roofs and the National Construction College earned the top spot as BMI Icopal Apprentice of the Year for Flat Roofing.
Alongside the winners of this year’s competition, two apprentices received the highly commended award from the judges, reflecting the high standard of apprentices in this year’s final. Taking home the Highly Commended awards were Samuel Jinks of Dalton Roofing and Leeds College of Building for the pitched category and Tommy Lee McGee of Sussex Asphalte and Simian for flat.
“We were blown away by the standard on show at this year’s competition, as well as the passion and enthusiasm shown for our industry,” said Fraser Biles, Commercial Director at BMI. “Every finalist gave it their all across every stage of the competition and the judges had a tough job to whittle the candidates down to find this year’s winners.
“The theme of this year’s competition was ‘building new horizons’ and I can confidently say that every one of these apprentices has a bright future ahead of them. Leah and Robbie stood out in particular. Not only did they clearly demonstrate the skills they’ve learned in their roofing journeys so far, but it was clear to see their passion and eagerness to learn more at every opportunity.
“A huge congratulations to our 2024 Apprentices of the Year, and all the finalists who took part. We can’t wait to see where their careers take them!”
Newcomers to the industry are vital to the long-term success of roofing in the UK, and apprenticeships are critical in attracting people to the sector and providing the opportunities to learn valuable skills. The BMI Apprentice of the Year competition aims to develop and encourage these new recruits and celebrate their employers and tutors, recognising the important role of apprenticeship providers in building new horizons and securing a positive future for British roofing.
Robbie Gosden, winner in the flat roofing category, said: “I’m really pleased to have won. Everyone was at such a high standard I didn’t know what to expect. My boss, Jamie, has given me a real passion for quality and encouraged me to view each day as a learning opportunity and a chance to set myself up for a bright future within the construction industry.”
Leah Stewart, winner in the pitched roofing category, said: “I was working in the office for 4 years but I really just wanted to get out on site. I started by going out, looking at and pricing jobs, and from there I applied to college. Since then I’ve completed a Master Roofer’s Lead Welding and Bossing course and I’m also starting an HNC in Quantity Surveying. I’m hoping to pull together all of this and work my way up in the industry for my future and for my kids. I found the competition really amazing and it’s going to help me grow.”
Each of this year’s winners were awarded a £1,000 cash prize and three years’ worth of training through the BMI Academy.
Find out more about the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition at bmigroup.com/uk/aoty
