BMI UK & Ireland has named George Mcilhiney and Alexander Dempsey as the winners of its 2026 Apprentice of the Year competition.
Above: George Mcilhiney (centre) from Langley Training LTD and E.G Swingler and Sons, was crowned BMI Icopal Apprentice of the Year.
George, from Langley Training Ltd and E.G Swingler and Sons, won the flat roofing category and was crowned BMI Icopal Apprentice of the Year, while Alexander, from Redcar and Cleveland College and Samuel Moore Roofing, took the pitched roofing title and was named BMI Redland Apprentice of the Year.
Above: Alexander Dempsey, from Redcar and Cleveland College and Samuel Moore Roofing, was crowned BMI Redland Apprentice of the Year.
Now in its ninth year, the competition brought 20 shortlisted apprentices to the BMI Academy near Gloucester for two days of technical challenges and group tasks designed to test their practical skills, collaboration and business acumen.
This year’s theme, ‘Adaptable Advantage’, focused on the importance of flexibility and having the confidence to respond to change in a trade facing high demand, evolving requirements and tight project schedules.
Above: The flat roofing finalists.
The winners each received £1,000 and three years’ complimentary access to bespoke BMI training courses. All finalists also received toolbags donated by SIG Roofing.
Above: Highly commended and winners of the pitched (left) and flat (right) roofing categories.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Chris Nicholls, Commercial Director at BMI UK & Ireland, said: “This year’s competition has showcased incredible emerging talent across the industry, and everyone who made it this far should feel incredibly proud.
“It’s so positive to see so many passionate and talented young people. I hope you all feel like your confidence has grown from this experience and can take home a new perspective on what a future career in roofing can offer you.”
Alexander said: “I gained so much more from this experience than I ever expected. Anyone who has the chance to should definitely apply, you never know what might happen!”
George added: “Getting to speak with and learn from industry experts, previous finalists and other roofers has been so valuable, and I can’t wait to see where I go from here.”
Niall Dean, from Bolton College and Together Housing Group, and Alfie Hirst, from SIMIAN and Karl Austerfield Roofing, also received Highly Commended awards.
The pitched roofing finalists were judged by Ben Rowlands, Technical Manager – Pitched and Solar Integration at the NFRC, Oscar Darby, Founder of Chess Roofing Ltd., and Edward Kelly, Editor of Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer; whilst the flat roofing apprentices were judged by Anthony Hogan, CEO of SPRA, Sarah Spink, CEO of LWRA, and Duncan Murdock, Director of NRA Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd.