BMI UK & Ireland crowns George Mcilhiney and Alexander Dempsey as top roofing apprentices at its ninth annual competition.
BMI UK & Ireland has crowned the winners of its ninth annual Apprentice of the Year competition following a national final held at the BMI Academy near Gloucester. The event shortlisted 20 top roofing trainees from across the country to demonstrate their technical proficiency, practical skills, and safety awareness under competitive conditions.
George Mcilhiney secured the top award in the Flat Roof category, while Alexander Dempsey was named the overall winner for Pitched Roof installation. The competition tests real-world application, material handling, and adherence to modern standard installation practices across both traditional and contemporary roofing systems.
The practical focus of events like the BMI Apprentice of the Year highlights a critical shift in how roofing materials are selected and specified on modern job sites. Top-tier manufacturers are heavily designing roofing systems—from single-ply flat membranes to concrete and clay pitched tiles—to integrate seamlessly with strict building regulations and thermal performance targets. For self-employed roofers, general builders, and serious DIYers buying from merchants such as Travis Perkins, Wickes, or specialist roofing suppliers, mastering correct installation techniques directly impacts product warranties. Installing modern lead-free flashing, breathability membranes, and dry-fix system kits requires exact manufacturer-approved methods to ensure long-term weatherproofing and avoid costly call-backs.
Competitions run by primary material manufacturers remain vital for tackling the ongoing skills shortage across the UK construction sector. By investing in dedicated training facilities and highlighting high standards in specialist trades like flat and pitched roofing, the industry aims to lift overall workmanship quality and encourage standardized installation practices across commercial and residential sites nationwide.
Reported by Professional Builder — original article
Price alerts on the kit you're watching, plus the deals our team files each day.
Create a free account
