The BMI Apprentice of the Year 2020 competition officially opens on March 2 and entries are encouraged from all those recognised as an apprentice by their employer, or those working towards the qualified status.
Two prestigious titles of pitched or flat roofing BMI Apprentice of the Year 2020 are up for the taking. The awards come with a trophy and prize package, not to mention ongoing support from the team at the BMI Academy.
This year’s theme is ‘influence’. Those wishing to enter will be asked three questions:
- How do you feel you influence your peers or team members as part of your apprenticeship?
- If you won the BMI Apprentice of the Year, how would you influence others?
- Can you tell us about someone in your life who has had a positive influence on your work and studies?
Entry is via a written submission or video which can be submitted online at either:
https://redland.co.uk/young-roofers/apprentice-of-the-year-2020
or
http://www.icopal.co.uk/Support/Roofers/young-roofers/apprentice-of-the-year-2020.aspx
Supporting material can be uploaded, or emailed to AOY@BMIGroup.com.
The closing date for entries is May 4. Entrants will then be selected for the final, which takes place on July 1 and 2, 2020 at the BMI Academy in Gloucestershire. Finalists will receive professional coaching on a range of topics including presentation skills, health and safety and making technical assessments.
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.
The two-day final will conclude in the BMI Apprentice of the Year awards dinner – attended by the finalists, their tutors, and judges – where the winners of the 2020 competition will be announced.
Alan King, roofing lecturer at National Construction College – South, based in Erith, Kent, believes the competition is a must-enter: “Every apprentice I’ve ever had who got into the final really enjoyed Apprentice of the Year even though it took them right outside of their comfort zone and made them think. There is a reward for everyone, even those that don’t win the top prize. They meet people from all parts of the industry, people who have started their own businesses and become successful and they also meet other roofers at the same stage in their career.”
Mat Woodyatt, BMI technical training manager, said: “These awards are part of our commitment to recognise and reward those coming into the sector. BMI UK & Ireland wants 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 impacting on the overall skills base in the construction industry and 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 BMI Apprentice of the Year competition”.
