A self-employed roofer from Leeds in Yorkshire has won gold in the young roofer section of the International Federation of Roofing Contractors World Championships.

Matthew Timby was awarded the medal and world championship title at Leeds College of Building’s annual awards ceremony; and the apprentice-turned-successful roofer was presented the award by Jarrod Best, the managing director of Leeds-based GMI Construction.

Originally from Gainsborough, Timby is a former student of Leeds College of Building (LCB) in which he studied a Roof Slating and Tiling apprenticeship. With the help of his local employer Otter Roofing, the tradesman won a gold medal two years in a row at the 2010 SkillBuild finals.


And his roofing talents have seen him successfully apply to the Princes Trust for the Built Environment who supported him through an eight-month apprenticeship in the traditional building and conservation sector.

Timby is now a professional roofing contractor but admits that he owes it all to his apprenticeship that kick started his career in the industry.

Ian Billyard, Principal at Leeds College of Building, said: "Matthew's story shows that an apprenticeship in the construction industry isn't necessarily an easy route but that it is something of real value. Apprenticeships are an opportunity to learn the skills needed to lead to a truly successful career."

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