Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, a key highlight in the UK construction calendar is back with the launch of the BMI Apprentice of the Year 2021 competition.
BMI actively supports colleges throughout the UK with their work training roofing apprentices, and the contest seeks to find the UK’s most promising apprentices and reward them for their commitment, ability, and potential.
What makes the BMI Apprentice of the Year stand out is its focus on the business dimensions – marketing, finance, and presentation, for example – of a career in roofing, rather than purely tradecraft, although these vitally important skills are not overlooked during the two-day event either.
Previous winners and participants have gone on to start their own businesses, find more senior roles within the companies that employ them, represent industry trade bodies, and even become tutors themselves.
Matt Ford won the pitched roof category in 2019 and praises the way the competition considers the wider picture of life as a tradesperson. “The BMI competition is different from other competitions”, Matt said, “because it gives you the insight that there’s more to the business than just being a roofer.
“You realise that you’ve got to be able to present to the customer, understand where they’re coming from and that you’ve got to do more than just put on a roof. You’re the receptionist, the accounts department, and you’re marketing too.”
This year’s competition opens on 1 September and welcomes all those recognised as an apprentice by their employer, or those working towards qualified status.
Each year, the competition picks a theme and for 2021 it’s ‘influence’. BMI is looking for contestants who have what it takes to influence peers and those in the wider roofing community. The closing date for entries is 1 October.
Entrants selected for the final, which takes place on 17-18 November at the BMI Academy in Gloucestershire, will receive coaching on a range of topics, including: presentation skills, health and safety, estimating and making technical assessments.
The event is backed by BMI’s college partners and their tutors. Alan Lander of the South West Roof Training Group – and tutor to many finalists – said: “Everything about the event is first class and we missed it greatly during the pandemic. The experience and takeaways the apprentices get from the competition are outstanding. The only worry ever is how BMI will manage to match it year-on-year – and yet they do!”
Mat Woodyatt, technical training manager at BMI, added: “BMI Apprentice of the Year is our chance to recognise and applaud apprentice success stories across the country. Our commitment to help train apprentices is unwavering and the competition allows us to reward those working hard to achieve their goals. We are really looking forward to welcoming the finalists to the BMI Academy in November.”
To enter the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition, please visit: https://redland.co.uk/young-roofers/apprentice-of-the-year-2021 or http://www.icopal.co.uk/Support/Roofers/young-roofers/apprentice-of-the-year-2021.aspx.
