Technical trainers from the BMI Academy toured 14 colleges across the country to mark National Apprenticeship Week, which took place from 9 to 15 February.
According to a statement, they offered guidance on possible career milestones to help students make informed choices and understand more about working in the roofing industry.
Stuart Farndell and Ben Prosser provide practical courses and e-learning support at the BMI Academy. They have now started a search for the BMI Apprentice of the Year 2026.
As well as marking the launch of the competition, the statement said the college roadshow gave apprentices the opportunity to explore progression routes. It also allowed them to ask those working in the industry about how they apply their knowledge out on site.
Stuart said: “The roadshow is always a highlight of the year. Connecting with apprentices and encouraging them to pursue their passions is so important. After all, apprentices are the future of the industry.”
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) stated that the UK roofing sector faces persistent recruitment and retention challenges. It noted that 52% of roofing businesses reported recruitment difficulties last summer. A further 65% have said that skills shortages are already restricting the amount of work they can take on.
Demographic data from the ONS showed an ageing workforce, with fewer than 15% of roofers under the age of 25 and more than half of the workforce aged 30 to 59. BMI said its roadshow aims to engage directly with roofing apprentices to help them build long-term careers in the trade.
Stuart and Ben were joined at some roadshow venues by a former BMI Apprentice of the Year judge Ben Rowlands and ‘highly commended’ contestant Nathan Binnall. They explained more about the competition process.
Ben added: “It was great to connect with apprentices to get them excited about the competition. They were keen to know more about the doors that the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition can open for them, especially after hearing success stories first-hand from their highly commended peers.”
The BMI Apprentice of the Year Award is open to pitched and flat roofing apprentices. The winner will take away a £1,000 prize and three years of training at the BMI academy. Apprentices can apply now by completing a written or video submission, with entries closing on 17 April 2026.
