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.

On Wednesday 19th October, construction crafts students studying brickwork, carpentry and joinery and plumbing at Richmond upon Thames College attended guest talks given from industry experts at Willmott Dixon, a major nationwide construction and fit-out company.

Construction Crafts students were given industry advice and top tips on how to maximise employment potential from building manager Adam Elrick and apprenticeship manager Samantha Page. Students were able to learn about work experience opportunities, apprenticeship vacancies and were encouraged to make site visits with the company so they can see construction work in practice. Louis Carnovale, a current apprentice at Willmott Dixon also spoke to students about his apprenticeship and role. Adam commented, “Young people are essential to the continued development of the construction industry. Hungry young professionals are what will guide us to a more sustainable future.”

Mannix Flemming-Taylor, carpentry level 1 student said, “the talk was really helpful and gave me a better understanding of the opportunities available within the construction industry.”

Willmott Dixon are currently working on Richmond upon Thames College’s new campus, which will open in 2019 as part of the REEC enterprise initiative.