Roofing Today 30 Under 30: 2019

Dr Claire Griffiths, Editor at Roofing Today ROOFING TODAY’S 30 UNDER THIRTY 2019 joins an industry-wide drive to recognise, encourage and reward high standards, professionalism and exceptional customer service achieved by youngsters entering the industry. Schemes such as BMI Group’s Roofing Apprentice of the Year contest and the NFRC-organised Skillbuild competition and the UK’s entry in the IFD World Roofing Championship all help to encourage not just the professional aspirations of youngsters starting out in the industry, but also to promote roofing as an enjoyable, worthwhile and rewarding career. Roofing Today’s 30 Under Thirty 2019 are young roofing professionals who are driving forward in their early careers through their outstanding achievements. Tipped for the top, these youngsters are excelling in their training, on the tools, specification, estimating or administration. Indeed, some entrepreneurial young people are already taking on the risks and rewards of running their own businesses. So, congratulations and well done to Roofing Today’s 30 Under Thirty! Keep working hard, striving to be the best you can be, but don’t forget to take some time to reflect on your progress and enjoy your achievements too!

Lauren Pollitt, 29

Wythenshawe Community Housing Trust
Lauren is a roofer at Wythenshawe Community Housing Group. Starting as a labourer, Lauren completed her NVQ 2 RST via the OSAT route, as well as lead welding and bossing training. Lauren is a Construction Ambassador and has attended many schools to promote roofing as a career. She also took part in DIY SOS to help build ex-forces housing in Manchester.
Lauren is ambitious to develop her career and would like to run her own roofing team in the future. She says, “I’m confident in my roofing skills as well as communicating with clients. I’m proud to show my children what I can do and I know they’re proud that their Mum is a roofer.”

Alex Breadman, 22

Commercial Roofing & Facades
Alex has worked in procurement for one year and estimating for the last two years. Within the last year, he has estimated a total of £23m worth of roofing and cladding projects, whilst managing to secure four of these, valued at a total of £1.4m. Alex says, “Whilst coming into the industry completely green has, of course, been challenging, I’m currently focused on learning and improving every day. I am trying to gain further industry knowledge whenever possible by attending meetings and sites and learning all I can from talking to people who are experienced in the industry.”

Lewis Gibson, 25

Ashbridge Roofing Solutions
Lewis is a roofing apprentice in Scunthorpe, also training at Leeds College of Building. In 2018, Lewis was selected from 1,200 applicants to become just one of 10 finalists in the Screwfix Apprentice of the Year competition. His talent and commitment to roofing, and outstanding approach to personal development meant he also received BMI Redland’s Termly Award last year at college.
Lewis comments, “Roofing is a physical job, and it’s also challenging and interesting. I’d like to learn as much as possible and my ambition is to eventually start my own business, hopefully employing others.”

Christopher Jack Rees, 23

MA Hartley Roofing Contractors Ltd
At a young age, Jack decided to work alongside his father in the roofing industry. Eager to learn, Jack started his career as a trainee roofer, quickly gaining his NVQ 2 RST in 2015 at Afan College, followed by a Level 3 NVQ in Construction Contracting Operations. He opted to further his career, training to be a quantity surveyor/ estimator and is now near completion of a HNC in Construction and Built Environment. Jack has excelled beyond his own targets, acquiring a wealth of experience. It’s the general consensus at MA Hartley Roofing that Jack will one day be running his own roofing company.

Samuel Moore, 27

Samuel Moore Roofing
Samuel owns his own roofing business in Teeside. He started as an apprentice at his brother’s company for seven years, training at Newcastle College. At 23, Samuel decided to set up his own business and says key to his success was ploughing profits back into advertising his business, being active on social media and working long days and weekends. Now employing a full-time four-strong team, Samuel says, “I love being outdoors, meeting different people of all backgrounds and try to talk to as many people as possible to network for new jobs. It’s great having an apprentice of my own and showing them the right way to do things. One thing I say to our lads is, have pride in your work.”

Zaques McGough, 19

Longworth Building Services Ltd
Zaques attends the CITB National Construction College where he has already achieved a Level 2 Diploma in Roof Sheeting, IPAF, PASMA, VMZinc at Work and Emergency First Aid qualifications. Zaques’ employer says he has made excellent progress in his introduction to roofing so far, applying himself to his work with an exceptional attitude.
Zaques is always willing to develop himself further and apply himself to his role with a can-do attitude. His ambition is to progress to managing others in his trade and to sharing the knowledge gained over his career with a team.

Abigail Sunasky, 18

Bridgman & Bridgman
Currently an apprentice, according to MD, Chris Bridgman, Abigail is “a fantastic addition to the team” and works across all disciplines, from propagating Sedum cuttings for green roof projects, to installing and maintaining green roofs and roof gardens, as well as business administration. Abigail has a CSCS trainee card in green roof installations, making her the first woman in the UK to achieve this.
Abigail is working on London’s largest green roof currently being constructed, and repeatedly receives glowing feedback from project managers and clients on her performance, indicating her future potential to be a contract or project manager.

Freddie Wade, 24

Bracknell Roofing, South East Branch
Joining the company as a trainee, Freddie is now contracts manager, managing up to 10 contracts at any one time and is responsible for delivering projects on time, on budget and to high standards.
An Associate of the IoR and studying for NVQ L6 in Construction and Site Management, Freddie has his sights set on becoming a branch manager. He says “Bracknell Roofing has invested in me at every stage of my career and I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside Regional Contracts Director Chris Beech, who has given me the benefit of his experience.” Bracknell’s Director Simon Smith adds, “Freddie’s a great example to other young people that roofing can be a rewarding career with lots of prospects and opportunities.”

Dayle Mitchell, 22

Weatherproofing Advisors Ltd
Dayle is an apprentice at the National Construction College, Inchinnan in Glasgow studying for a NVQ L2 in Built-up Felt Roofing. Focusing on flat roofing, Dayle has already gained experience in a range of roofing disciplines, including built-up felt, liquid coatings, and steel profiled cladding. His boss comments: “Since starting his employment in 2017, Dayle has demonstrated an excellent work ethic and ambitious attitude and he shows great promise for a successful future career in the roofing industry.” And he’s made a great start, achieving the CITB Scottish Apprentice of the Year, BUFR category.

Lewis Hill, 25

RL Lovatt Ltd
Lewis attends Bolton College where he is studying for a NVQ 3 RST. Lewis had dreams of being a professional footballer and was with Bolton Wanderers Academy for 10 years. However, Lewis eventually joined the family firm as he wanted a more hands-on job where he could earn money to enjoy holidays like his mates. Once qualified, Lewis led his roofing gang, completing some very prestigious jobs in the area to an exceptional standard. With maths being a particular strength, Lewis has progressed to training as an estimator for RL Lovatt’s. Since taking that post, Lewis has driven forward in his career, spotting a future in new-build work and the company is now working on 12 such sites, doubling its turnover.

Joe Osborne, 20

The Roofing Corporation Ltd
Joe is a dedicated, hard-working and trustworthy employee and is passionate about his work, say his Grimsby-based employers. Joe is currently studying for a NVQ 2 RST at LCB where he has developed his confidence and skills. Joe is taking part in the SkillBuild heats and hopes to compete in the competition’s finals.
Joe appreciates learning modern roofing methods at college, in contrast to the more traditional and heritage roofing focus at work. Learning these different ways of working has given Joe a breadth of knowledge and skills which he brings to the range of projects he works on.

Jay Webster 22

Yorkshire Heritage Roofing
Training at LCB, Jay has NVQ 2 RST and is studying now for L3. His list of achievements include winning BMI Redland Apprentice of The Year 2018, Leeds College of Building Apprentice Of The Year 2018, 2nd place in the SkillBuild Regional Heats 2018 and Highly Commended in the Finals, as well as FMB Apprentice Award – Highly Commended (Yorkshire region).
Jay wants to “Carry on training and learning new skills to improve my career prospects and skill set, such as advanced leadwork courses, as lead is what I would like to specialise in. Eventually I would like to work for myself and set up my own business.

Brad Hayes, 19

Hodgson Sayers
Brad has completed his NVQ 2 RST at Newcastle College, achieving a Distinction. The company has identified him as a ‘star in the making’ and one of its finest young talents. He displays great drive and a level of confidence one would not expect for his age, says his boss, having taken part in SkillBuild 2018 – where he returns again in 2019. As his career develops, Brad would like to progress to site manager and then contracts manager and Hodgson Sayers believes he can achieve anything he sets his mind to. Currently, he is on course to complete his Advanced Level in Roofing Occupations.

Jack Cullin, 22

Abbey Asphalt Roofing Ltd
Jack is a mastic asphalt spreader and trained at New City College, in London. Jack completed a three-year apprenticeship in mastic asphalting at college, achieving a Level 3 Distinction. Having started college at just 16, Jack was thrown in at the deep end having to lodge away from home
5 to 6 times a year for 2 to 3 weeks to complete his training, as Hackney College is the only UK venue offering a mastic asphalt course. In between college, Jack was working on projects gaining experience in site work and importantly, Health and Safety. Jack’s employer says he has progressed at a staggering rate, is now a charge hand, and has just completed the prestigious Fort Nelson project in Portsmouth.

Andrew Emerton, 22

Emerton Roofing (Western) Ltd
Andrew has studied at both Bolton College and LCB where he qualified as NVQ 3 RST in 2016. That year he also won the bronze medal in the SkillBuild finals. In 2018, Andrew was the lead tradesman in two projects which were shortlisted in the UK Roofing Awards 2019.
Now, Andrew has been promoted to contracts manager in the family business. Andrew says he wishes to keep traditional roofing and the use of heritage materials thriving, as well as playing his part in maintaining the reputation of roofing as a top trade.

Tom Knight, 25

TK Roofing and Property Services
Tom owns his own roofing company based in Truro. Tom’s rise began when he won the 2016 South West SkillBuild Regional heat, competing in the national finals. In 2017, he was Highly Commended at the BMI Redland Apprentice of the Year competition, gaining his NVQ 2 RST in the same year. Personal development hasn’t stopped for Tom, as he is now studying for his Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievements and he’s also become a CITB Construction Ambassador via the South West Roofing Training Group.
Tom’s determination, love of roofing and high levels of workmanship
have ensured his success. He wants to encourage others into roofing as a viable and worthwhile career and eventually would like to teach roofing.

Angus Blair-Park, 22

Bracknell Roofing, Burton-on-Trent head office
Angus joined Bracknell at 18, starting his apprenticeship by spending time in different departments, developing his skills and knowledge in areas such as estimating, purchasing and ordering. His potential was spotted by the directors and he was promoted to an apprentice quantity surveyor, giving him more exposure to larger commercial contracts. And it’s a role he has flourished in, streamlining and systemising the company’s commercial department to improve tracking tenders at every stage. Angus says “Bracknell Roofing is giving me a great opportunity to play a key role that meets the needs of the business but also supports my ambition to become a quantity surveyor.”

Oscar Miller, 18

The Roofing Corporation Ltd
Oscar is studying for NVQ 2 RST at LCB. He also possesses, first aid, working at heights, asbestos awareness and lead welding and bossing qualifications. Oscar is determined to succeed in his career in roofing and is punctual, eager and works in his own time on a roofing rig to perfect techniques.
He recently took part in the first heats of the SkillBuild competition and was the youngest Britain to ever carry out a week-long ornamental slating course in Germany, alongside his father Chris Miller. He has also worked on Shrewsbury’s Flaxmill Maltings with Historic England on a two-week bursary placement.

Jordan Condren, 21

Hodgson Sayers
Jordan has completed his NVQ 2 RST at Newcastle College, receiving merit. He is an exceptionally talented apprentice, achieving silver at SkillBuild 2018. The award is particularly outstanding as Jordan was originally first reserve in the North East regional heat, but his determination and intricate problem-solving skills meant he stood out from fellow contestants in the final, proving he is one of the UK’s finest apprentices. He has been nominated for SkillBuild 2019 and is this time looking to take gold. To add to his bow, Jordan was voted Newcastle College Apprentice Champion 2019 and is set to complete his Advanced Level in Roofing Occupations in June 2019.

Tyler Pedrick, 22

Avonside Roofing, Braintree
As an apprentice roofer, Tyler is studying for a NVQ 2 RST with the Eastern Region Roof Training Group (ERRTG) and is the Eastern Region Roof Training Apprentice of the Year 2019.
Right from the start of his apprenticeship, Tyler has been a model student, according to the ERRTG. He has a passion to learn and develop his skills as a roofer, demonstrating an attention to detail that results in an exceptional standard of work. Tyler is ambitious and sees his future lying in working to continually improve as a roofer and work his way up the career ladder at Avonside Roofing.

Jack Langley, 22

Longworth Building Services Ltd
As an apprentice, Jack attends CITB National Construction College where he has gained a NVQ 2 Diploma in Roof Sheeting and a NVQ Level 2 in Composite Roofing. His employer says Jack has a fastidious approach to his work with an excellent quality output. He is determined to succeed in the roofing industry and is now undertaking supervision training. Jack is always keen to participate in training and events that will further his career and improve the way the company works and is interested in how we can all influence and change our industry for the better. Jack’s ambition is to become a successful roofer providing a quality service, as well as sharing his knowledge and experience with others in his team.

Joe Turner, 26

The Roofing Corporation Ltd
Joe started as an apprentice in 2015 and has already achieved so much in his career, winning gold at SkillBuild in 2018. Completing his NVQ 2 RST at LCB, his dedication was recognised when he was invited back to complete his NVQ Level 3. The Roofing Corporation has provided Joe with the opportunity to continue broadening his skills by putting him through another NVQ Level 3 in Heritage Roofing. Joe has worked hard and invested his time in studying roofing methods and techniques and gained hands-on experience at every opportunity.

Ashley Saxton, 26

Saxton Specialist Leadwork
Running his own company, Ashley provides leadwork services for a range of clients across London and Kent, taking great pride in his work.
Ashley was the runner-up in the Lead Sheet Training Academy’s (LSTA) Leadworker of the Year 2019 competition. Having achieved his Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations for his leadwork from the LSTA, he is now enrolled on their Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills for Metal Roofing. Ashley is committed to widening his skillset and says that investing in high-quality training has given him skills that have “set him up for life”.

Holly Morton Parker, 20

Proteus Waterproofing Ltd
Holly has been employed at Proteus since leaving school in 2015. She started as a Level 2 Business Administration apprentice and, having shown leadership qualities, was given the opportunity to undertake a Level 3 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship, which she successfully completed in July 2018. Holly is now Proteus’ Senior Sales Administrator and leads a team of three. She was also nominated for the Women in Roofing Rising Star Award in 2018 and was shortlisted as a finalist. Holly has gained valuable specialist knowledge of the roofing industry and her employer says she has a very bright future ahead of her.

Liam Dooley, 18

The Roofing Co (NW) Ltd
Liam joined the company in 2017 as an apprentice and studied for his NVQ 2 RST at Bolton College. His employers say he has really excelled, is an incredibly hard worker with a fantastic work ethic, going the extra mile to ensure that work is completed to a high standard. They’ve had very good feedback from customers about Liam’s positive, friendly attitude. He is taking part in SkillBuild and continuing his training to NVQ 3 RST at LCB. Liam feels that we need to encourage new apprentices and promote good standards of workmanship by motivating anyone coming into roofing to follow the training route. Liam’s employers add, “I am sure that one day he will be the running the business!”

Jack Johnson, 26

Commercial Roofing and Facades Ltd
Jack has been an estimator for two years with his Essex-based employer. Jack was drawn to the role due to his IT skills and previous experience in construction, installing drylining and managing up to 15 men on site, as well as two years onsite experience as a fixer. As an estimator, Jack has, so far this year, estimated £26m worth of tenders and live projects, successfully securing five projects worth £1.1m in total. Jacks says, “I have a very positive and optimistic working attitude where I believe there are always solutions to problems. I enjoy implementing different ideas into
the business, creating new ways to develop the company, and helping out wherever possible.”

William Emerton, 24

Emerton Roofing (Western) Ltd
William studied at Bolton College and LCB where he achieved NVQ L3 Diploma in Slating and Tiling in 2016. In what turned out to be an amazing year for William, in 2016 he also won the Gold Medal in the UK SkillBuild Roof: Slating and Tiling category; the ‘Slating Apprentice of the Year’ at LCB; and he was also promoted to Contracts Manager in the family business. In 2018, William took his achievements even further when he won the ‘President’s Award’ representing the UK at the IFD World Championships for Young Roofers in Latvia. William says his career focus is, “to provide a quality service and preserve the skills associated with traditional British roofing”.

Craig Ferguson, 28

Facility Service Group Ltd
Since joining Swansea-based FSG, Craig has progressed to supervising and leading projects and continues to deliver on time and to the client’s requirements. His managers report that Craig offers innovative solutions, whether a new process or product that offers a safety benefit, cost saving or efficiency gain. Craig continually tries to improve his own skills and knowledge as well as the company’s work processes. He’s a proactive team member, leading from the front on safety, quality and skill set development. He is generous in sharing his knowledge with both experienced engineers and apprentices, his employer says, and has shown himself to be an asset to FSG with his work ethic, workmanship and thirst for betterment.

Ben Francis, 27

M A Witcombe Ltd
Ben has already notched up almost a decade of experience and is currently sub-contracted as an experienced roofer for M A Witcombe in Honiton, Devon. Completing a NVQ 2 last year via the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment Route with the South West Regional Training Group, Ben was commended for his high standards of workmanship, skilled use of tools and excellent finish to his work. Ben is also recognised for his commitment to on site safety, being well-organised and a polite and effective communicator, all of which tip Ben as having an exceptional future ahead of him.

Grant Robinson, 27

LDN Leadwork Ltd
Grant has been doing leadwork for almost five years, based in Essex, but serving clients across London and the South East. Grant has already completed a City & Guilds accredited course in leadwork and is going to be starting the LSTA’s City & Guilds Traditional Advanced Leadwork course this year. He also plans to complete a course to train to be a supervisor and to start his NVQ 3 this year. In 2019, Grant was shortlisted for the LSTA-run Leadworker of the Year Award.
Talking of the future, he said: “My ambitions are to become a contracts manager in years to come, but at the moment I’m just enjoying being on the tools and mastering my craft.”

>>Read more about competitions anhd awards for young roofers