February 2024

Skills & Development
BUILDING NEW HORIZONS: THE
IMPORTANCE OF APPRENTICESHIPS
In this column for Total Contractor, Fraser Biles of BMI UK & Ireland explores the role of
apprenticeships in nurturing the next generation of roofers, and points to the importance
of events like the BMI Apprenticeship of the Year competition which takes place in July...
Today’s roofing industry is shaped by
traditional skills, seamlessly integrated with
new techniques and technologies that are
supporting the transformation of roofscapes
across the country. Apprenticeships play a vital
role in safeguarding this winning combination,
with new industry entrants learning directly from
experienced contractors, ensuring practical skills
and insights are passed on to the next generation.
This fuels the development of a highly skilled
workforce for an industry that requires technically
complex skills.
National Apprenticeship Week, the annual
celebration of the importance of apprenticeships
for individuals and businesses, encapsulates the
value of this route into the industry. This year, the
celebration is framed by the theme of ‘skills for
life’, reflecting the transformational impact that
successful apprenticeships can have on careers.
This is especially true in the roofing industry,
where craft and passion combine to underpin
quality installations time after time.
Fraser Biles of
BMI UK & Ireland.
At BMI, we have long believed in the power of
training and apprenticeships in building the
workforce of tomorrow. Through the BMI Academy,
we are dedicated to delivering industry-leading
training to professionals right across the industry.
To directly support colleges and training centres in
delivering training, the Academy offers a dedicated
engagement programme, sharing expertise and
resources for the benefit of apprentices.
But supporting apprenticeships is only one part of
Euan Forsyth was
crowned BMI Apprentice
of the Year 2023 in the
Pitched Roofing category.
the puzzle. Celebrating the achievements of new
entrants to the industry is just as important –
something that we, together with employers and
training colleges, do through the annual BMI
Apprentice of the Year competition.
Now in its seventh year, the competition is set to
celebrate the most promising talent coming into the
industry today, and provides an opportunity for
individuals to showcase their skills on the national
stage. This year, the competition is set around the
theme of ‘building new horizons’, which
demonstrates the potential of apprenticeships in
roofing – both for apprentices and their employers.
We have seen how apprentices embarking on
their careers in roofing have the full support of
their employers, as well as their colleges and
training centres, helping them to build the skills
to carve out a successful career. Naturally, there
are clear benefits for their employers, too. Like
much of the construction industry, roofing is
subject to widespread skills shortages, but these
gaps can be filled through successful
apprenticeship programmes. For roofing
businesses investing in apprenticeships and
training, this can result in a reliable supply of
talent that can position their businesses for
success over the long-term.
This year’s Apprentice of the Year competition opens
for entries on February 5th, so head to
www.bmigroup.com/uk/bmiacademy/apprentice-of-the-year
for details on
how to enter.
Contact BMI UK & Ireland
www.bmigroup.com/uk/
BMI UK & Ireland
18 TC FEBRUARY 2024