Ashfield apprentice up for top national award

Bosses at Derbyshire-based Gowercroft Joinery nominated him after the work he did led to massive business benefits for the firm.

Greg’s role in revolutionising the specialist joinery company’s production planning and purchasing processes caught the attention of the judges at the BWF, which has 700 member organisations across the UK.

The prestigious BWF Woodworking Awards showcase the best of UK joinery, recognising the projects, products, processes and people that have demonstrated woodworking excellence in the last year.

When Greg, 23, joined Gowercroft Joinery as a sales administration apprentice he impressed his employers from the word go but it was only when he spent time in the production department as part of his apprenticeship did they see the full extent of his talents. Realising what Greg had to offer, the company worked with Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College group, to adapt his apprenticeship to suit the new role.

In just a few months, Greg had worked with directors to design and implement a new production and planning system that is proving invaluable, bringing massive benefits including saving time and money, streamlining production and improving customer service.

Greg said: “The responsibilities I have been given as part of my apprenticeship and the people I’m working with have given me a lot of opportunities to learn about business and gain experience, which will hopefully help me run my own business in future. Winning this award would confirm that hard work does breed success and give me the confidence to take on more responsibility.”

Managing director of Gowercroft Joinery, Andrew Madge, said: “We’re delighted that Greg has been shortlisted for this award. He has made a big impact on the business and he really deserves some recognition for the drive and commitment that he has shown since he has been with us.”