Celebrating the Best: North West Roof Training Group and SIMIAN Roofing Apprentice of the Year Competition

Today marked an exciting milestone in the roofing industry as the North West Roof Training Group and SIMIAN Roofing Apprentice of the Year Competition, proudly sponsored by IKO, took place at the SIMIAN Roof Training Centre in Warrington during National Apprenticeship Week 2025. This prestigious event showcased the skills and dedication of the next generation of roofing professionals, as eight talented apprentices competed for the top spot in their respective categories.

The competition saw four Roof Slate and Tiling apprentices and four Waterproof Membrane apprentices take on a series of challenging tasks designed to test their technical ability, precision, and workmanship. Under the watchful eyes of industry-leading judges, these apprentices demonstrated the skills they have developed through their apprenticeship program and hands-on experience with their employers.

Expert Judging Panel

A highly experienced panel of judges was on hand to assess the apprentices’ craftsmanship and expertise:

Pitch Roofing Judges:

• Claire Griffiths (Roofing Today)
• John Gates
• Christian Hynes (C.Hynes Roofing)

Flat Roofing Judges:

• Dave Randles (SIMIAN)
• Stephen Bithell (Fulwood Roofing)
• Adam Gotfraind (IKO)

Each judge brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the competition, ensuring that the judging process was thorough, fair, and reflective of the high standards expected in the roofing industry.

And the Winners Are…

After a week of fierce competition and impressive displays of skill, two apprentices rose above the rest to claim the coveted titles:

Flat Roofing Apprentice of the Year: Harry Crawford (Protech Roofing)

Pitch Roofing Apprentice of the Year: Mark Knight (Greenough & Sons)

Both winners demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship, technical ability, and attention to detail, earning them well-deserved recognition from the judges and industry professionals alike.

A Bright Future for Roofing Apprentices

This competition not only celebrated the achievements of these talented individuals but also highlighted the importance of apprenticeship training in building a strong and skilled workforce for the future. Events like these reinforce the value of hands-on learning, mentorship, and continuous professional development in the roofing industry.

A huge congratulations to all participants, the winners, and our esteemed judges. And a special thank you to IKO for their generous sponsorship and ongoing support in championing the next generation of roofing professionals.

We look forward to seeing these apprentices continue to excel and shape the future of roofing!

If you are inspired to begin your apprenticeship journey, email apprenticeships@simian-risk.com