South West Roofing Training Group Apprentice Accolade in BMI Apprentice of the Year

THE South West Roof Training Group is proudly celebrating the achievement of apprentice roofer Kai Beech who was awarded the accolade of Highly Commended in the pitched roofing category of the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition.

Kai Beech is an apprentice roofer at J Martin Roofing in Wiltshire and receives his training at the South West Roofing Training Group training centre in Melksham, Wilts.

BMI Apprentice of the Year

One of the leading apprenticeship events in the construction calendar – the two- day national BMI Apprentice of the Year competition was held in November 2021 at the BMI Academy in Gloucestershire. The nationwide competition tests roofing apprentice finalists on a range of subjects and gives both pitched and flat roofing new entrants the chance to demonstrate their roofing skills, personal and business skills.

The event is promoted by college tutors and training providers, who were all glad to see it back last year after it was paused during the pandemic.  Alan Lander, tutor for the South West Roof Training Group (SWRTG) had two finalists in last year’s contest. Both are enrolled with SWRTG on the Specialist Applied Skills Programme, a CITB funded training programme for new entrants.

Apprentice Accolade

Alan Lander said, “This is a first class event and we missed it greatly during the pandemic. I always tell the finalists I enter to take what they can from this experience as it’s a fantastic opportunity.  BMI do an amazing job at hosting, I can’t wait for next year.”

“I was especially proud this year as our student, Kai Beech took home the enviable accolade of Highly Commended placing him right at the top of his peer group in this national competition.”

The judges commended Kai for his roofing knowledge in the technical challenges and confident delivery of his business presentation.

The winners from the pitched and flat roofing category each received a £1000 cash prize and three years of training support from the BMI Academy.

“Alan Lander added, “A huge well done to the 2021 finalists and let’s see what the 2022 competition brings!”

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