Following the success of the two previous competitions, BMI UK & Ireland has announced the launch of its 2019 BMI Apprentice of the Year competition.
The competition is set to find the UK’s most promising apprentices and reward them for their commitment, ability and potential. BMI UK & Ireland has a unique insight into the emerging talent of the UK roofing sector, and the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition is a great chance to celebrate some of the future leaders and entrepreneurs of the industry.
The competition opens on March 4 2019, and welcomes all those recognised as an apprentice by their employer, or those working towards qualified status. The closing date is May 3.
Two prestigious titles of either pitched or flat roofing BMI Apprentice of the Year 2019 are up for grabs. Triumphing in competition marks a winner out as someone special among their peers and as a star with a bright future in the sector – whether as a potential tutor, a key asset to an employer, or independent business person in their own right. The awards naturally come with a trophy and prize package; not to mention ongoing support from the team at the BMI National Training Centre.
The theme for picking this year’s finalists is ‘change’. Those wishing to enter will be asked three questions about how they see change affecting the sector in the next five years; and then have to submit a personal essay on how their training has seen their attitude to roofing change.
Entrants will then be selected for the final, which takes place over two days at the BMI National Training Centre in 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. They will also take part in ‘knowledge-sharing sessions’ over the course of 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 two-day final will conclude in the Apprentice of the Year awards ceremony – consisting of the finalists, their tutors, and judges – where the winners of the 2019 competition will be announced.
Mat Woodyatt, BMI technical training manager, explained: “These awards are part of our commitment to recognise and reward those coming into the sector. BMI UK & Ireland wants to work with the sector to raise the appeal of roofing and motivate more school-leavers and career-changers to get involved.
“We know that the shortage of roofers is hindering growth in the newbuild housing market, and we’re keen to do what we can to help colleges, employers and new roofing apprentices.
“We are striving to ensure new joiners to the industry receive the necessary levels of support that they need to develop and succeed – and that was originally one of the key reasons for launching the Apprentice of the Year competition.”
Alan Lander, head of training company RoofTrain, has seen two of his students take Highly Commended awards in the previous year’s competitions and is a big fan. He said: “I’ve been very impressed. The competition itself is brilliant and it really stretches the apprentices – you can actually see them growing. It takes all of the trainees outside of their comfort zone, and as a tutor, it’s interesting to see the ways individuals adapt to the various challenges.
“All the competitors benefit from the experience and each take something away that will hopefully help them further their careers.”
For further information about this year’s BMI Apprentice of the Year competition, including entry details, please visit https://bit.ly/2S9Lt8R.
