Former BMI Apprentice of the Year finalists say the competition gave them the confidence, industry connections and reputation needed to accelerate their careers, as they shared their experiences and advice with the 2026 competition’s finalists. 

Hosted at the annual competition at the BMI Academy, the panel consisted of alumni Reilly Stow, Samuel Jinks, and Nathan Binnall, who achieved the ‘highly commended’ title in 2022, 2024 and 2025 respectively. They offered the 2026 finalists practical insight into how the experience helped shape their careers and what a future in roofing could look like. 

“The experience gave me a massive confidence boost,” explained Samuel Jinks. “Before the competition, I had little confidence in my work and leaned heavily on my tutor for support. Afterwards, I had the courage to explain things better to customers, and because of that I was more trusted to go to site on my own. 

“The confidence I gained from competing was far more important than winning.” 

The alumni highlighted the value of building connections in the trade, and how the competition offered a platform for them to network with peers and industry professionals, as well as develop the communication skills to approach others in the trade. 

One alumnus, Reilly Stow, has since developed his own business, High Performance Roofing Solutions Ltd. 

“The competition opened my eyes to what is available in roofing, how wide the industry is, and what opportunities are on offer,” he said. “The experience taught me that business acumen, professionalism, and confident presentation are the qualities that make the difference in your career, not just technical skills. 

“Being a business owner myself, I’d hire people based on their attitude rather than skills, because willingness to learn, taking pride in yourself and your work, and being reliable are key things you can’t teach.” 

Roofing is among the trades experiencing a severe labour shortage, compounded by an ageing workforce and high demand. This skills gap, paired with tighter profit margins and evolving technological requirements, adds pressure on the industry, despite its importance to modern living.

The alumni agreed that having the confidence to embrace change will become increasingly important for roofers hoping to succeed in the industry as it evolves. 

Now fully qualified roofers, the alumni continue to advocate for the competition and the tangible impact it can have in helping roofers develop both personally and professionally. 

“The competition helped me to get a foot in the door,” Nathan Binnal explained. “The roofing industry is built on trust and reputation, and the people you meet can shape your career. I made so many valuable connections through the experience.” 

The BMI UK & Ireland annual Apprentice of the Year forms part of the manufacturer’s commitment to increasing training opportunities in construction and supporting the next generation of roofers. 

To learn more about training opportunities at BMI UK & Ireland, visit: 

https://www.bmigroup.com/uk/bmi-academy/?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=release&utm_ campaign=AOTY&utm_id=AOTY+alumni+