Mansfield student's success at professional carpentry competition

Organised by the Institute of Carpenters, the Merlane Trophy is a flagship event for apprentices across the midlands.

The Ernie Leech Shield Award for health and safety was scooped by level three apprentice Tom Trueman, 21, who joined some of the region’s most talented carpentry and joinery students for the 47th edition of this highly-respected industry skills competition.

Also attending from West Notts College were students Millie Atkinson and George Brown who took on the challenge of the day to complete a complex four-hour practical task, demonstrating their exceptional craftsmanship by constructing a detailed model of a hipped roof, alongside other advanced joinery techniques.

The contest, which took place at Derby College, is committed to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship and allows carpentry students across the region to showcase their skills and knowledge and is judged by sector experts.

Derby College Group celebrated outstanding success on home soil, with student Jack Henley of Seamers Specialist Joinery securing first place for the second consecutive year.

Colleges taking part this year were West Nottinghamshire College, Lincoln College, North Notts College, Grantham College, Rotherham College, Newark College, Chesterfield College, Sheffield College and Derby College Group.

Tom, who works for a company called First Impression Projects, mainly working on renovations, said: “On face value the roof looked complex, however I tackled it by breaking it down into sections making it easier to get my head around.

"By breaking the roof into sections, I was able to allocate time for each part making sure I kept to it.

“I was surprised to win the Ernie Leech shield but felt I’d been working safe throughout making sure my workspace was tidy and covers were put back on the saw and chisel after I used them.”

Adam Thompson, head of centre for construction crafts, said: “Our three student competitors Millie, George and Tom were outstanding and even though they weren’t placed in the top three they still showed commitment and resilience.

"I’m so proud of Tom winning the Ernie Leech Award, which proved his great skills throughout, seeing him keep a clean and well-managed area.

“Everyone involved demonstrated skills to the best of their abilities.

"Competitions like this prepare and showcase exactly what the industry is about.

"The work produced in this year’s competition was outstanding and all students and staff involved should be praised for their efforts.”

Richard Galbraith, President of the Institute of Carpenters, added: “The Merlane Trophy continues to highlight the exceptional talent coming through our colleges.

"The level of skill, focus and professionalism on display has been outstanding.

"These students represent the future of our industry, and competitions like this are essential in supporting their development.”