Running a roofing business
Reilly Stow, a former finalist who has since developed High Performance Roofing Solutions Ltd, said the competition broadened his understanding of roofing careers, according to Roofing Today. He told the panel discussion that taking part had shown him the range of opportunities within the trade, beyond the work he already knew.
Stow said technical ability was only one part of career development. He also identified commercial understanding, professional conduct and the ability to present himself confidently. Speaking as an employer, he said he would give greater weight to an applicant’s attitude than their existing skills. His priorities included reliability, a willingness to learn and care for the quality of their work.
Customer confidence and trade contacts
Samuel Jinks described a change in how he dealt with customers after competing. Previously, he had relied heavily on his tutor and had lacked confidence in his own work. He said the experience helped him explain work to customers more clearly, which in turn led to him being trusted to attend sites alone. He considered that increased confidence more valuable than winning an award.
Nathan Binnall focused on the contacts he made through the event. He said meeting people had helped him gain access to opportunities in a trade where trust and reputation mattered. The panel also discussed how participation gave apprentices a chance to meet both fellow trainees and established industry professionals, while developing the communication skills needed to approach them.
Training and workforce pressures
The three speakers had each received a highly commended award in different years: Stow in 2022, Jinks in 2024 and Binnall in 2025. All are now fully qualified and continue to support the competition. Their accounts addressed personal development as well as progression at work, rather than the award result alone.
Roofing Today placed their experiences against a shortage of roofing labour, an ageing workforce and high demand. Its report also identified pressure from narrower profit margins and changing technological requirements. Against that background, the panellists said roofers would increasingly need the confidence to adapt as the industry changed.
BMI UK & Ireland runs Apprentice of the Year annually. The manufacturer presents the competition as part of its work to expand construction training opportunities and support people entering roofing.