National success for Inverness College UHI carpentry and joinery apprentice

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AN Inverness College UHI carpentry and joinery student has picked up third place in a prestigious national competition.

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Tom Edgar, who is undertaking a two-year adult apprenticeship with Inverness architect-led design and build organisation Makar, impressed in the Carpenters' Craft Competition, beating off competition from more than 60 trainee craftsmen and women from 200 colleges across the UK.

Tom’s success in the national final follows his triumph in the over 20s category of the Scottish heat of the competition, which gives outstanding students the chance to showcase their work to leaders in the field.

Students were challenged to create a radiator cover for this year’s competition.

The 30-year-old is among 14 alumni from Inverness College UHI to have picked up top prizes in the competition over the past 11 years, demonstrating the high standards of quality and craftsmanship taught at Inverness College UHI.

Tom, from Kirkhill, said: “The competition was a great opportunity to test my skills against other students across the UK. It was a lot of pressure to get my piece completed on time, but totally worth it in the end. My employer is delighted with how well I did and I’m really glad I took part.”

Neil Sutherland, managing director of Makar, said: “At MAKAR we are particularly committed to supporting the young workforce with developing individual and collective skills and training. We are therefore delighted that Tom has shown his potential, having taken part in this UK wide competition, and having been placed third overall. The construction sector faces some very challenging times ahead as well as significant opportunities. We believe it is only with a progressive attitude and desire for high quality standards, as represented by Tom, that we will excel during these uncertain times.”

Run by the Institute of Carpenters, The Carpenters’ Craft Competition is the only national competition open to students of carpentry, joinery, furniture making and shop fitting.