Exeter College carpentry and joinery students have scooped the top prizes at the Institute of Carpenters competition. Students were presented with their prizes in a special ceremony held at the historic Carpenters’ Hall in London. 

The Carpenters’ Craft Competition is a national competition open to students of carpentry, joinery, and shop fitting. It gives outstanding students the chance to showcase their work, and have it judged by leaders in the field. Students can take part at both a regional and national level, with over 200 colleges nationwide eligible to take part. 

Success in this prestigious competition gives students a head start in their chosen vocation having achieved official recognition of their exceptional skills and high calibre workmanship. 

Laura Michell recently completed her Apprenticeship in Architectural Joinery and works for James Riggall Fine Joinery. She won the over 20’s prize and was the winner of the IOC Shield and the George Pysden Shield. Laura also won the over 20’s prize last year, making her the first person in the competition’s history to win the prize in the over 20’s for two consecutive years. She said; 

“I completed the piece out of curiosity and for fun, to see if I could do as well as I did in the previous year. I was very pleased and completely gobsmacked to learn that I won first place again for the second year running for my age category. I am extremely proud.” 

Lecturer for Carpentry and Joinery at Exeter College, Oliver Cox, went to London with the students to collect their prizes. He said; 

“I’m incredibly proud to have taught Laura over her two-year apprenticeship. To be the only person to win the competition two years in a row is an amazing achievement and she should be very proud of herself.” 

Exeter College student Isaac Bruce, in his first year of the Architectural Joinery Apprenticeship picked up first place in the under 20’s category and was the winner of the JMA Cup. Robin Poynter-Taylder picked up second place in the under 20’s with Tom Reid in third. Additionally, Tomi Bartole picked up third place in the over 20’s category. 

Find out more about Carpentry courses at our next Open Event.