Roofing Experts Meet Apprentices in Drive to Close Skills Gap 

Young people starting out in the roofing trade have been given a valuable insight into the benefits of apprenticeships by industry experts from roofing solutions manufacturer BMI UK & Ireland. 

Technical Trainers from the BMI Academy have toured 14 colleges across the country to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (February 9th to 15th). They shared their industry expertise and offered guidance on possible career milestones to help students make informed development choices and understand more about what working in the roofing industry entails.

Stuart Farndell and Ben Prosser, who provide hands-on courses and e-learning support at the BMI Academy, have started a search for the BMI Apprentice of the Year 2026, a competition that, since its inception, has supported 250 roofing apprentices take their careers to the next level.

As well as marking the launch of the competition, the college roadshow gave apprentices the opportunity to explore the progression routes ahead of them and quiz those working in the industry about how they apply their knowledge out on site.

Stuart explained: “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.”

Drive to Close Skills Gap 

According to the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the UK roofing sector faces persistent recruitment and retention challenges, with 52% of roofing businesses reporting recruitment difficulties last summer (2025). A further 65% say skills shortages are already restricting the amount of work they can take on.

Demographic data from the ONS shows 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, presenting a long-term challenge as experienced roofers approach retirement.

Recognising this, BMI’s roadshow aims to engage directly with roofing apprentices, reinforcing the support available to help them build long-term careers in the trade.

The manufacturer is committed to strengthening and increasing the training opportunities for apprentices, with a focus on retention and progression through practical, industry-led courses delivered at the BMI Academy and the annual Apprentice of the Year competition.

Apprentice of the Year

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 (2025), who explained more about the competition process.

Ben Prosser said: “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 has been recognising emerging industry talent and the achievements of learners since 2017. Open to pitched and flat roofing apprentices, it offers the chance to connect with industry experts and hone talent, with the winner taking away a £1,000 prize and three years of bespoke training at the BMI academy.

Apprentices can apply now by completing a written or video submission, with entries closing on 17 April 2026.

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