Far from being discouraged, many spoke of pride, resilience and personal growth, highlighting the mindset needed to thrive in construction today.
Roofing apprentices from across the UK are opening up about the challenges of working in construction, revealing a generation unafraid to discuss the pressures of the job – and determined to rise to the challenge.
The insights were gathered through applications for the 2025 BMI Apprentice of the Year competition, held annually by Redland pitched roofing and Icopal flat roofing systems manufacturer, BMI UK & Ireland. Now in its eighth year, the competition celebrates the UK's top roofing talent, recognising technical ability, mindset, professionalism and personal development.
One theme that stood out this year is the pressures of life on site, with 65% of respondents referencing the mental and physical demands of the job. Rather than being discouraged, many described a strong sense of pride, purpose and personal growth.
One applicant said: “Something that most people don’t consider is the mental health side of things. Although not considered typically taxing, like a high-pressure office job, [roofing] has its own pressures and stresses.”
“You have to stay resilient,” added another. “There will be tough days, bad weather, and challenging tasks, but perseverance is key. Keep pushing through, and you’ll develop both skill and confidence.”
The apprentice experiences echo wider industry concerns. A 2025 study by the Chartered Institute of Building found that 94% of UK construction workers experienced stress, 83% suffer from anxiety, 60% have dealt with depression, and 27% have had suicidal thoughts.
Alongside mental health, 62% of apprentices talked about the reality of hard work, referencing the early starts, tough weather and high standards that are necessary in the industry. Resilience and timekeeping were considered just as valuable as the practical skills applicants had developed in training.
“It’s tough in the winter and brilliant in the summer,” said one apprentice. “It’s hard work and challenging but rewarding.”
“You have to be prepared to face setbacks,” said another. “It takes time and perseverance to build skill and experience. Be willing to try things, fail and learn from the mistakes you make.”
Many comments also pointed to the importance of employer support, with a fifth stating that having the right team and experience is crucial for career success and wellbeing.
“It’s important to work for someone who’s serious about giving you the right training and experience,” advised one applicant. “A good employer will want you to learn properly, not just use you for labour.”
The 2025 BMI Apprentice of the Year final will take place on 23–24 July at the BMI Academy in Gloucestershire where 20 pitched and flat roofing apprentice finalists will demonstrate their skills, meet industry experts, and compete for further training and a cash prize.
