Roofing Tutor Applauds BMI Competition for Championing Future Talent

A roofing tutor has praised the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition for championing future roofing talent and inspiring the next generation of roofers.

Held at BMI Redland’s Training Centre in South Cerney, Gloucestershire on 23-24 July, this year’s competition brought together 20 of the UK’s most promising flat and pitched roofing apprentices to battle it out for the title of BMI Apprentice of the Year.

Representing training provider Optimum Skills in the Flat Roofing category were finalists Daniel Alan Morton and Danny Bell, both employed by Newcastle-based M&C Roofing Contractors Ltd. They were accompanied by their tutor, Scott Stockdale.

Tutor Forum

While the apprentices put their skills to the test, tutors from training providers and colleges across the UK took part in a Tutor Forum hosted by BMI. Here, they exchanged ideas on apprenticeship delivery, training practices, and the future of the roofing industry. But it wasn’t all work! The tutors got the chance to sample activities including shooting and archery as well as opportunities to network with senior roofing industry leaders across the sector.

Reflecting on the event, Scott described the Tutor Forum as “particularly valuable” and praised the competition for bringing together roofing educators committed to developing the industry’s future workforce.

Future of Roofing in ‘Safe Hands’

Scott Stockdale, Specialist Roofing Apprentice Tutor at Optimum Skills Ltd, said of the event: “It was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The awards ceremony was a bittersweet moment. We didn’t take home a trophy, but Dan and Danny represented Optimum Skills superbly. The competition was fierce, and we were beaten by some very worthy winners.

“What makes me most proud is that this was our first time entering the Flat Roofing competition. Watching the Flat Roofing Division at Optimum Skills grow from nothing to competing on a national stage in just 18 months is a huge achievement.

“Thank you to BMI UK & Ireland for their fantastic hospitality, to all the tutors and providers who shared their experiences, and to every apprentice who competed. The future of flat roofing is in safe hands.”

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