Gareth Foster, working at L. Jean & Co in Alderney has been awarded the Highly Commended Prize in the 3rd Year Student Awards. Winners are selected following a detailed assessment by a panel of judges who are looking for exceptional skill and dedication to the carpentry and joinery industry. The awards aim to highlight future talent in the industry.
Gareth also enjoyed success in the IOC’s prestigious Carpenters’ Craft Competition in which he placed first regionally and second nationally in the over 21 category. Alex Gill, who is working at R&D De Jersey, also placed first regionally in the under 21 category and third place nationally. The competition is open to students and apprentices from around 50 British colleges and this year participants were asked to manufacture a serving hatch, with the completed pieces being shipped to London for assessment. Our apprentices’ work is now on display in the TGI carpentry workshop.
Jacques Perree, Lecturer in Carpentry & Joinery at TGI said:
“We are extremely proud of Gareth and Alex for these fantastic achievements. These results reflect the talent and commitment of our apprentices and their employers/mentors to developing the next generation of industry professionals. Our apprentices have excelled in these competitions over the past few years with Clement Le Pelley winning last year’s national Carpenters’ Craft Competition and Jordan Mechem coming second in 2023. Congratulations Gareth and Alex and well done to all the students across the country for their achievements.
“We are also extremely grateful to the competition sponsors — The Institute Of Carpenters, Rainleaf-Pallman, Medite SmartPly, Reisser Ltd, and Ironmongery Direct — for their generous support, which plays a vital role in recognising and encouraging emerging talent within the industry.”
Chris Torode, Director of Apprenticeships at TGI added:
“These prestigious awards are a testament to the skills that our apprentices develop through their training with TGI. It’s such an achievement for them to have gained these fantastic results and being at the top of their profession at a national level.”
