Female Roofing Apprentice Scoops Up Nationwide Award
The NFRC is delighted to celebrate the success of Chesterfield-based roofing apprentice, Gabbi Day, who has been named one of three winners of The Nation’s A* Trades Apprentice Award 2025. This recognition is great to see given that NFRC highlighted Gabbi as a stand-out apprentice during National Apprenticeship Week in February 2025.
Organised by tradespeople insurer Markel Direct, the award aims to showcase the efforts of trade apprentices across the UK, highlighting how crucial they are to the continued success of the construction industry. As one of three winners selected from across the country, Gabbi wins a development package comprising a Festool toolkit worth £4,000, free 24-hour tools cover for a year from Markel Direct, and a £750 workwear voucher.
Gabbi’s employer, Philip Dalton, Managing Director of NFRC Member Dalton Roofing and an advocate for the next generation of roofers, explained his motivation for nominating her:
“We nominated Gabbi for this award simply because of her enthusiasm. She deserves it, she’s a breath of fresh air, and whoever she works with just says she’s incredible, she’s great. We’ve had excellent reports of her; college have contacted us numerous times and said she’s ahead of others in her class. Gabs has really brought something special, something different.”
On receiving the news, Gabbi said, “This development package is going to help me with work a lot, with tools which I am very grateful for. As an apprentice it is quite difficult to know what tools you need, and to go out and buy them yourself.”
Following the judging process, Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, said, “The quality of this year’s nominations was outstanding and, on behalf of the judges, I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate an apprentice. Choosing the three winners was incredibly difficult, as so many nominations illustrated the invaluable contribution that apprentices make to the trades and construction industry. Winning this award is a great achievement for Gabbi, Chris and Ben, and I’d like to congratulate them all on the fantastic achievements in their careers so far.”
Gabbi’s achievement underlines how apprenticeships are shaping the future of the roofing industry and demonstrates the NFRC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that help nurture the next generation of skilled professionals. As someone who began his own roofing career through an apprenticeship, Phil Dalton continues to champion the development of aspiring roofers, stating that apprenticeships are vital for producing the talent necessary for the roofing sector’s ongoing success.
The other two winners of the award were Chris Wilson, a carpentry and joinery apprentice from Birmingham, and Ben Mills, a plumbing apprentice from Warwick.
Watch more about Gabbi's roofing apprenticeship journey below.