Redland is launching a competition to find the 2017 Redland Apprentice of the Year.

The newly launched competition is open to all roofing apprentices who are currently enrolled with one of Redland’s participating colleges or training groups within the company’s Young Redland Roofer student support programme.*

Entrants will be tested and judged on all-round ability, including business skills, to see if they have what it takes to one day run their own roofing company. It’s not simply about their skills on the roof.

At stake is a £1,000 cash prize to invest in the future, the title of Redland Apprentice of the Year 2017, together with a trophy, a lifetime supply of free-of-charge courses at the Redland National Training Centre, and a Redland prize pack containing various roofing goodies. All finalists will receive access to a selection of free courses at the National Training Centre and take away a Redland prize pack full of roofing supplies.

Mat Woodyatt, Redland’s national training manager, explained: “The competition is part of a wider company strategy to address the challenges faced by the industry in meeting the ambitious government housing targets. Redland is already combatting production shortages through our investment in a new manufacturing line. We also know that the shortage of roofers is hindering recruitment and hampering growth in the newbuild housing market and we’re keen to do what we can to help support new roofing apprentices.”

To enter the competition, apprentices will be required to answer one of three questions and submissions can be in the form of an essay, a video, a presentation or another method of their choosing. Judges will be looking for evidence of a motivated individual with spark, who also demonstrates awareness of the roofing industry

Ten candidates will then be selected for the final, which takes place over two days – 27 and 28 June – at the Redland National Training Centre. Finalists will receive professional coaching on all aspects of running a roofing business – including business planning, presentation skills, and technical skills – before being assessed, making this a complete learning experience.

A selection of leading figures in the roofing industry will be judging the candidates. They will also take part in “knowledge-sharing sessions” over the course of the two days to answer questions and share the benefits of their experience to help pass the baton on to this next generation of roofers.

The two-day final will culminate in the Apprentice of the Year Awards Dinner – consisting of the 10 finalists, their tutors and employers, and judges – where the winner of the 2017 competition will be announced.

*The following are enrolled in the Young Redland Roofer student support programme:

1. Bolton College

2. Cornwall College, St Austell

3. Eastern Roof Training Group

4. Edinburgh College

5. Leeds College of Building

6. National Construction College (NCC) Midlands

7. NCC Erith

8. Newcastle College

9. South West Roof Training Group

10. Wales National Roof Training Group.