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Day 1 of BMI Academy’s National Apprenticeship Week College Tour
The 16th annual National Apprenticeship Week officially starts today, a week all about showcasing the contributions that apprenticeships make to the UK’s economy and wider society.
The BMI Academy team made an early start this year in celebrating, with two members of the BMI Academy team visiting colleges on Friday 3rd of February, in the first of many trips during BMI’s National Apprenticeship Week tour.
On the first day of the tour, BMI Academy Technical Trainers Paul Martin and Michael McHugh went to Bolton College and South Devon College respectively. The two engaged in conversations with apprentices, tutors, and industry professionals in a pursuit to share best practice advice, showcase virtual reality training technology, and discuss new products.
Bolton College
South Devon College
A Trip to Bolton College
A Trip to Bolton College
During Paul’s visit to Bolton College, he met with the different apprentices and delivered an extended CPD session on pitched roofing, detailing correct installation and the range of interlocking tile products.
Paul also sat down with the apprentices in a more one-to-one setting, where he spoke with them about their experiences, plans for the future, and the importance of National Apprenticeship Week.
“I’ve experienced a few trades and found that I liked roofing the most, and I took to it the quickest. I like that my apprenticeship in roofing is hands on, not just classroom based.”
Levi Bell, Apprentice at Three Sixty Stockport and Bolton College
“One thing I like about my apprenticeship is being able to get the knowledge I need in a controlled environment, it’s much nicer roofing inside than out in the cold. I’ve also learnt the importance of being able to speak to different people and ensure that the different tasks can all be completed.”
Bradley Bourbon, Apprentice at TM Roofing Services and Bolton College
Ciaran Malloy, Roofing Tutor at Bolton College
Ciaran Malloy, Roofing Tutor at Bolton College
“The skills apprentices develop, beyond just technical knowledge, are what really sets up an apprentice to succeed. National Apprenticeship Week lets employers know who’s out there and lets students know that more academic career paths aren’t the only option, they can come and learn something a bit more practical. We’re also really looking forward to being involved with BMI’s Apprentice of the Year competition, as I think it gives learners something to aim for and work towards if they are a finalist.”
Our Visit to South Devon College
Our Visit to South Devon College
Also on Friday, Michael McHugh, Pitched Roofing Trainer at the BMI Academy, met with apprentices and their tutor during his trip to South-Devon College. During the visit, Michael offered some hands-on technical advice and support to the new roofers and asked them about their experiences and the importance of National Apprenticeship Week.
“My older brother was a roofer and so I did a little bit of work with him and then fell in love with it. As part of my apprenticeship, I love meeting new people, understanding things that I wouldn’t get a chance to learn about on site and also develop skills I’ll need throughout my career.”
Jay Jackson, Apprentice at DJH Roofing Exeter and South Devon College
“I used to work for a general builder, which is where I first experienced roofing. But through knowing Steve at the college, I found out there was a lot more to it than just sitting on a roof and laying tiles. Steve has a great passion for roofing, that he’s been able to pass on to us which has been amazing. Not only has he given us knowledge and technical information, but also given us the self-esteem and the confidence to actually go out and do the work. I’ve not met a teacher as inspiring as Steve before.”
David Perrera, Apprentice at SMW Roofing in Totnes and South Devon College
Steve Dowell, Roofing Lecturer at South Devon College
Steve Dowell, Roofing Lecturer at South Devon College
“By doing an apprenticeship, the students get a lot of technical knowledge. It’s not just how to install a tile, they fully understand the reasoning for why they are doing what they are doing - whether that be tiles, ventilation, or specification. That’s all information they get as a part of the course.
“The one piece of advice I would give all apprentices is to enjoy the journey, roofing is an excellent career – you get the ability to learn a trade, to have lifelong skills - not just in roofing but interpersonal skills and self-development too."
Enter the BMI Apprentice of the Year
Enter the BMI Apprentice of the Year
Open to roofing apprentices in both pitched and flat, the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition allows you to showcase your skills to the industry, with the winner being awarded a generous cash prize of £1,000 and the prestigious title of Apprentice of Year, as well as three years’ worth of training support from the BMI Academy.
More to come....
More to come....
This were just the first stops of BMI Academy’s tour, next we have Simon Dixon, Technical Training Manager at BMI Academy visiting Edinburgh College. Keep an eye out on our social channels throughout the week for more live content from our BMI Academy team.