Bolton College 2022 Apprentice of the Year Declares Winner

TODAY SAW Todd Oatey declared the 2022 Bolton College Apprentice of the Year. Todd is a second year roofing apprentice and is employed by P Duckworth Roofing.

The 2022 Bolton College Apprentice of the Year competition took place this morning (31 March), putting four young roofers through their paces and testing their tiling, slating and lead working skills, supported by Senior Roofing Lecturer at Bolton College, Luke O’Gorman.

Winning 2022 Apprentice of the Year, Todd Oatey said: “It means a lot to me to win today and I want to thank my employer P Duckworth Roofing and my tutor Luke O’Gorman for all their help and support.”

Todd Oatey competing in the Bolton College 2022 Apprentice of the Year competition.

Todd had previously taken part in the Great British Slate Off last year and he feels his earlier competition experience has given him the edge in today’s win. Todd adds, “Managing my time and working under pressure is something I’ve been able to gain experience of and I think that has really helped me today.

Bolton College 2022 Apprentice of the Year Competitors

Competing against Todd were: Mackenzie Court from Stuart Lowe Roofing Contractors Blackpool, Fin Ford from Mick Hughes Roofing, Preston and Jamie Roberts from R L Lovatt Bury.

The apprentices were assessed by judge Will Emerton, Contracts Manager at Emerton Roofing (Western) Ltd, and former Skillbuild gold medallist and winner of the President’s Award representing the UK at the IFD World Championships for Young Roofers.

Joining Will as judge for the day was the highly experienced roofing professional Peter Worthington of Warrington forensic investigation and asset management company Roof Analytics.

Judges Will Emerton (left) and Perter Worthington (right)

Awarding the winner Todd Oatey, the judges commented: “Todd is a deserving winner. He is a good all rounder, his work is neat and properly executed without cutting any corner.

“Overall, the standard on display here today has been very high, which is particularly impressive as the competitors are working under rigorous exam conditions. The four competitors should all be very proud of themselves

“The competition has allowed the apprentices to focus on attention to detail and will be a really positive feature in their development.

Generously sponsored by Midland Lead, the students completed a series of set tasks, including felt and battening a rig, which included an open valley and hip before covering with natural slate.

Also invited to attend the competition was guest, Simon Dixon, NFRC Training & Technical Manager, who commented: “The standard of the skills on show are extremely high. Four talented young roofers working towards qualification, and today, with the aim of winning the coveted Midland Lead trophy.”

The fabulous trophy awarded to Todd Oatey winner of the Bolton College 2022 Apprentice of the Year.

The Headline Sponsor of the event is Midland Lead – a company that provides generous year-round support for Bolton College’s roofing curriculum.  Midland Lead donated not only the lead materials for the event but new Marketing Manager Kyle Hazeldene and Midland Lead North West Regional Sales Manager Tom Lord also arranged for an impressive trophy to be awarded to the event’s winner, designed and made by talented lead artist Craig Marshall of CM Leadworks.

In addition, Midland Lead donated a generous £50 tools voucher and goody bags stuffed with roofing accessories for all competitors.

Developed and organised by North West Independent Roof Training Group Officer, Sue Wharton, this year’s Bolton College competition follows the 2020 event after a break due to the pandemic.

Sue Wharton of North West Independent Roof Training Group.

Sue Wharton commented, “This event has been a shining example of total concentration from all four competitors chasing greatness.

“Giving the apprentices the opportunity to take part in this annual event in the roofing workshop at Bolton College is a huge confidence booster for them and is rewarding too for their tutor, Luke O’Gorman.

“What a fantastic industry to be involved in – here at grass roots level we’re looking at the future – exciting!”

>>See 2020’s Bolton College Apprentice of the Year