Why you should enter the BMI Apprentice of the Year Competition

From learning skills for life to winning cash prizes, here is why you should apply to be the next BMI Apprentice of the Year.
BMI Apprentice ofTheYear2023 -462 Web

Every year we hold our prestigious BMI Apprentice of the Year Competition at our industry-leading training centre, the BMI Academy, in Gloucestershire. We receive many applications each year from roofing apprentices all across the United Kingdom, with up to 20 applicants making it to the final. 

The benefits of being a part of this competition are endless, providing insight and networking opportunities from an incredible array of influential people within the roofing industry. Becoming one of our finalists is an invaluable experience to include on your CV, and discuss in applications for future roles within the industry. 

On top of these fantastic intangible benefits, there is also the opportunity to win the £1,000 cash prize each for the winners of the flat and pitched roofing categories, as well as 3 years of free training with the BMI Academy. 

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Hear what our previous apprentices have to say

A Career Highlight

“It’s fantastic to be a winner, it feels like I can inspire others in the business including those I work with at Rio and train with at Juniper Training. To win this competition is a great opportunity and it’s the best thing I’ve done in my career so far. I’ve learnt so much from everyone here, and I’ve now got connections with the judges and the other finalists,”

Malachi Wilkes, Flat Roofing Apprentice of the Year 2022

Malachi Wilkes - Flat Roofing BMI Apprentice of the Year 2022

Boost in confidence

“Being part of the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition really taught me a lot. It not only gave me a great boost to my confidence, but also really inspired me to push on with the next stage of my career. The facilities here are excellent, and the quality of training is superb”.

Ceiran Peel-Price, 2017 Competition Finalist and 2022 Judge

Ceiran Peel-price half/half image

Invaluable Experience

“The whole experience was amazing. In the end it wasn’t the winning that mattered most – that was a bonus. We’ve come away with an experience and that came first. Winning was second”.

Jamie Scott, Pitched Roofing Apprentice of the Year 2021

Jamie Scott - Pitched Roofing Apprentice of the Year 2021

Matthew Ford - Path to success

2019 Pitched Roofing Apprentice of the Year

Back in 2019 Matthew won the Pitched Roofing competition and has since gone on to even greater success. 

Matthew Ford - Pitched Roofing Apprentice of the Year 2019

Purple Roofing Company

Matthew launched his own company at the beginning of 2021, and has garnered great success across the North East of England.

Purple Roofing Company
Matthew Ford Apprentice of the Year,  pitched roofing 2019

Returning to the Competition

Over the years of competition Matthew has returned to speak to the finalists and in 2023 brought with him his own apprentice! Morgan Wood, an apprentice at Matthew's Purple Roofing Company, qualified as a finalist. Morgan studies at Leeds college of Building and is tutored by David Mallory, who also tutored Matthew during his time at college in Leeds. 

Matthew ford morgan wood

Frequently asked questions

Applications will open during National Apprenticeship Week in February 2024. You will be able to apply directly through our website, but if you are unsure then ask your tutor for more information on how to apply. 



We will cover any travel expenses for Apprentices and Tutors to and from the event. The nearest train station to the BMI Academy is Kemble. 

For Day One and Two of the competition you’ll need to wear similar clothes as you would to college/work as you’ll be getting hands on in our workshops. Whilst in and around the Academy you will also need steel cap boots (if you forget them we have spares) . For the awards ceremony bring some smarter clothes, our Apprentices usually wear a shirt with smart trousers and shoes. You can use the images from the event found across the website as a guide as to what to wear on both days.

No need to worry about accommodation, if you reach the final you will be provided accommodation at the 4* De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, as well as meals each day. If you have any dietary requirements let us know and we will ensure your needs are accommodated. 

Unfortunately we don't have the capacity for finalists to bring their own guests, however both your tutor and employer will be invited to attend.

All tools you will need for the tasks will be provided for so you don’t need to bring any with you.

Enter the BMI Apprentice of the Year 2024

Enter the BMI Apprentice of the Year 2024

Both flat and pitched roofing apprentices are invited to submit entries online by 26th April. Up to 20 finalists will be selected in May and invited to compete in the two-day final at the BMI Academy in July where the winners will be crowned.

Entrants must be a roofing apprentice or student currently working towards qualified status. The Competition is open to residents of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland aged over 16 years.

BMI Apprentice of the Year 2024 : 2023 Finalists and Winners