George’s Journey from Apprentice to Roofing Supervisor with SIMIAN and Arc Group

At SIMIAN, we’re passionate about delivering apprenticeships that provide real-world experience, industry-recognised skills, and a solid platform for career progression. One shining example of this is George Daly, a Waterproof Membrane Apprentice who trained at SIMIAN’s London Academy of Sustainable Construction (LASC) and is now a Roofing Supervisor at Arc Group.

George describes the apprenticeship as the ideal starting point for his career. Through hands-on training and expert instruction, he was able to build confidence in a variety of roofing systems quickly. The Waterproof Membrane Apprenticeship didn’t just help him develop practical skills; it gave him the knowledge and support needed to step into a leadership role within the Arc Waterproofing team. “The apprenticeship has been a great starting point for my career in roofing,” he said. “It supported me in becoming a supervisor within the Waterproofing team at Arc.”

For George, one of the most rewarding parts of the apprenticeship experience was meeting other apprentices from different companies. SIMIAN’s training environment offers a great opportunity for peer learning, and George found that networking with others in the trade gave him new insight into how different teams operate and approach projects. This shared learning experience not only strengthened his skills but also expanded his perspective on the wider industry.

Like many new to construction, George faced early challenges, particularly with adjusting to the early starts that come with the job. He’s refreshingly honest about this part of his journey: “I really struggled with my timekeeping at the start, but as I began to enjoy the apprenticeship more and settled into a routine, it became a lot easier.” With the structure and support of the programme, George was able to turn a challenge into a strength, developing essential discipline and time management along the way.

He’s clear about the impact the apprenticeship had on his career progression. Without it, he says, moving into a supervisory role so quickly would have been unlikely. “The apprenticeship gave me the knowledge and confidence to grow. I don’t think I would have become a supervisor so soon if it wasn’t for the apprenticeship.”

When asked what advice he’d give to someone considering a roofing apprenticeship at SIMIAN LASC, George doesn’t hesitate. “Do it!” he says. “Roofing has great career opportunities, and an apprenticeship is a great way to support you in this.” It’s a message we echo fully, construction trades like roofing offer secure, varied, and rewarding careers, especially when the journey begins with the right training.

As for what he enjoys most about roofing, George highlights the satisfaction of a job well done. “I love working in the sunshine! Sure, you get some bad weather, but the good days more than make up for it. Seeing a project I’ve worked on completed, I take a lot of pride in that.”

George’s journey with SIMIAN and Arc Group is a brilliant example of how structured training, real site experience, and strong partnerships between training providers and employers can shape careers and develop future leaders. We’re proud to work alongside Arc Group to provide high-quality apprenticeships that lead to real results, and we’re even prouder to play a part in the success stories that come from them.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship or looking to upskill your workforce, contact us here.