NFRC members celebrate success at BMI Apprentice of the Year 2026

The two-day competition, held at the BMI Academy in Gloucestershire, brought together 20 of the UK’s most promising roofing apprentices to compete across pitched and flat roofing. The event tested technical skills alongside teamwork, presentation and wider professional abilities, highlighting the breadth of talent entering the roofing industry.

The competition was a great success for NFRC’s Yorkshire & North East members with honorary mentions in two categories. In the pitched roofing category, Alexander Dempsey of Samuel Moore Roofing was crowned BMI Apprentice of the Year 2026, while Alfie Hirst of Karl Austerfield Roofing Ltd was Highly Commended in the flat roofing category.

Their achievements reflect the commitment of NFRC member companies to developing skilled people and investing in the future of the roofing sector. NFRC Technical Manager – Pitched and Solar, Ben Rowlands, was among the judges for the pitched roofing competition, alongside representatives from across the industry.

The flat roofing category was judged by industry experts including Anthony Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA). Congratulations to all the apprentices who took part, and particularly to the winners, highly commended finalists, and the NFRC members supporting them throughout their careers.

Competitions such as BMI Apprentice of the Year play an important role in showcasing the talent coming through the roofing industry and demonstrating the opportunities available to those starting a career in the sector. NFRC is proud to see its members supporting apprentices and helping to build the skilled workforce needed for the future of roofing.