In 2017, Richmond upon Thames College Level 3 Carpentry and Bench Joinery student, Will Whitmore participated in the regional Carpenters’ Craft Competition, the only competition in the UK open to students of carpentry, joinery and shop fitting. Exemplary students are given the chance to showcase their work and have it judged by industry experts with £500 worth of prizes available. There are opportunities for students to take part at both a regional and national level and over 200 colleges nationwide take part in this annual competition.

Will entered the regional competition with a hanging wall sign and his entry clearly impressed judges as he secured second place. When asked about coming second place, Will said “I’m very pleased with the result, I really didn’t expect it because London is renowned for having good carpenters.” Will went on to thank the support of his teachers at RuTC, “my teachers, Alan Rowley and Nick Hart, were very supportive throughout the process and helped me to rectify any difficulties I encountered.” Andrew Spencer, Curriculum Manager for Construction Crafts at Richmond upon Thames College said, “Will is a hard-working and very talented student. Not only did he achieve second place in the regional Carpenters’ Craft Competition but he’s has also secured an apprenticeship with TimbAwood, a prestigious carpentry and joinery company in Feltham.”

As reward for coming second place, Will was presented with a cheque for £40 and will receive a special certificate from the Institute of Carpenters. In addition to this award, Will also received a student award at Richmond upon Thames College’s annual Student Awards celebrations held in September 2017. Will has now started his apprenticeship at TimbAwood and hopes to be offered a managerial position within the company upon successful completion of his apprenticeship.

Find out more about our range of Construction Craft courses we offer at Richmond upon Thames College.

Richmond upon Thames College was proud to be highly commended for the award in Best Professional Practice at the Richmond Business Awards 2017 that took place at the Marriott Hotel in Twickenham on Friday 10 November.

John O’Shea, Deputy Principal at Richmond upon Thames College, said, “I am delighted that Richmond upon Thames College has been highly commended for the Best Professional Practice category at this year’s awards. The college works closely with many local, regional and national employers in providing education and training opportunities and will be strengthening employer links when the new state of the art college campus opens in Twickenham in 2019. To be acknowledged at such a high profile award, demonstrates the effort and commitment from the college’s talented staff. I am also proud to announce that Ofsted inspectors have recently judged Richmond upon Thames College to be good in all areas and praises the college for its effective partnerships with local employers”.

Read the November 2017 Ofsted report for Richmond upon Thames College 

The Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme contributes millions of pounds each year to support almost 2,000 colleges and schools throughout London and Essex with celebrating the achievements of their young people.

“We do it because we want to help young people raise their aspirations, believe in themselves and make a contribution to their society” said Sir Jack Petchey CBE. The local awards took place at Richmond Theatre on the evening of Wednesday 22 November 2017.

This year, eight RuTC students were given awards including Rory William Walsh (pictured below, right) who, on the morning of the Grenfell Tower disaster, worked tirelessly to support those affected. This was before he attended college the same day to sit an A level English exam. After his exam he returned to the site of the disaster and worked in a community centre, assisting those who had been made homeless.

Kieran Peckett (pictured below, left) received an award for his work promoting RuTC's Student Union and the college's Christian Union. He also has been a college guide and has always helped at Open Events and during enrolment.

Six Supported Learning students were given awards. Along with those picture above, Ruben Kapango was also one of our winners.

Read now: 10 Great Things About RuTC

AoC Beacon Award In October 2017, the Supported Learning Department at Richmond upon Thames College was shortlisted for a prestigious AoC Beacon Award for Students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities. The AoC Beacon Awards capture and celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK further education colleges.

John O’Shea, Deputy Principal at Richmond upon Thames College, commented, “To be shortlisted for this highly respected award was such an honour for the Richmond upon Thames College and acknowledges the incredibly talented members of staff who work in the college’s Supported Learning Department. I am proud to work with such highly experienced and enthusiastic teachers who support, motivate and teach students with complex needs and in 2017 the college has produced its best results in all areas for over a decade. This was also recently recognised by Ofsted inspectors who judged Richmond upon Thames College to be good in all areas, including the college’s provision for learners with high needs.