Apprentice duo compete with ‘best of the roofing best’

Two roofing apprentices gaining their qualifications with Construction College Midlands (CCM) have proved themselves to be among the industry’s best emerging talent by participating in two of the UK’s most renowned multi-trade skills competitions.

Taryn Jeffrey-Brock of Bicester Roofing and Charlie Swain from Ven Construction in Mansfield participated in the regional qualifiers of SkillBuild in June.  The competition delivered by CITB sees the country’s top construction-based learners and apprentices battle it out to be crowned winners of their chosen trade.

Taryn’s regional heat was held at Exeter College where he secured third place and second place reserves for the national final.  Charlie attended Leeds College where, after an impressive performance, he earned a spot among the top eight for the national finals.

Taryn also competed in BMI Roofing Apprentice of the year 2025.  Here, he was one of ten finalists in the pitched roofing category out of 400 national entries.

Darren Shakespeare, Vocational Coach at Construction College Midlands said: “The CCM team and I were pleased at how well Taryn and Charlie stepped up to represent the college and their employers at such high-profile events.  These competitions are an excellent test of their skills and abilities, plus an opportunity to network and explore other areas of industry.

“Both have said their confidence has grown because of their competition experiences.  This will no doubt continue to benefit them professionally, and in turn, their employers moving forwards.”

Running for over 40 years, SkillBuild is a series of regional competitions held across four nations, culminating in a national final competition.  The SkillBuild National Final 2025 will take place on 19-20 November at Arena MK in Milton Keynes.

A total of 20 apprentices represented colleges, training providers and roofing contractors from across the UK at BMI Apprentice of the Year.  Hosted by BMI UK & Ireland, manufacturer of leading roofing brands Redland and Icopal, the competition is now in its eighth year and held at the BMI Academy in Gloucestershire.

Over two days, pitched and flat roofing apprentices will be challenged to show off the skills needed to excel in a career in roofing. This covers technical ability, but also teamwork, presentation skills, marketing and commercial acumen.

Taryn and Charlie are studying the Roofing Apprenticeship Standard which includes a Level 2 Roof Slating and Tiling qualification.