Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Roofing specialist BMI has released free pitched roofing courses for the second half of 2025 to tackle the skills shortage in the roofing industry.
According to the latest National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) State of the Roofing Industry Report, 47% of roofing contractors struggle to recruit skilled workers.
In response to increased demand earlier this year, BMI has released new course dates for its popular pitched roofing programme. Open to apprentices, contractors, merchants, specifiers, and other roofing professionals, the free courses blend classroom teaching with hands-on practice using real BMI Redland roofing systems.
The two-day BMI Basic Course – an introduction to Icopal flat and Redland pitched roofing systems – will run at the BMI Academy in Gloucestershire on the following dates:
• September 2–3
• October 7–8
• November 4–5
• December 9–10
Stuart Farndell, lead technical trainer at the BMI Academy said: “Roofing isn’t a static trade. There’s always something new to learn, including new systems, updated standards or better ways of working. Whether you’re new to the trade or have years under your belt, the BMI Academy is here to help you sharpen your skills, grow your confidence, and stay industry-ready.”
In addition to these free courses, the BMI Academy offers bespoke sessions covering pitched roof estimating, Cambrian Slate installation, essential plain tiling, and understanding British Standards and workmanship best practices.
