Marc Watson, a Level 1 student from College of West Anglia (CWA), Wisbech campus, impressed judges with his technical ability during the Inspire Education Group inter- college competition. The competition was sponsored by NOCN Group Tilgear and brought together learners from a variety of colleges across the eastern region.
Although many competitors specialise solely in woodworking trades such as bench joinery or carpentry, through the Multi-trade construction skills course, Marc has had the opportunity to learn carpentry, brickwork and groundworks.
Marc was awarded a set of professional tools worth £200 as part of his prize, recognising the high standard of work demonstrated during the competition.
Marc attended the event alongside two fellow learners Erikas Rimkus and Finn McAuley, who also represented the College of West Anglia on the day. While they didn’t place in the competition, both learners demonstrated professionalism and determination throughout, gaining valuable experience by testing their skills against peers with much more carpentry experience.
The event also allowed students to tour Peterborough College’s construction facilities and experience the atmosphere of a live skills competition.
Jamie Baker, Carpentry Apprenticeship Course Director and Construction Skills Lecturer, said, “I’m incredibly proud of our learners from the Construction-Skills Level 1 course that competed on behalf of the College of West Anglia. One learner achieved second place in the carpentry element against nine other colleges (about 40 - 50 students), which is a fantastic result, especially when my students only get around three hours of carpentry training a week compared to the nine or more hours a week many others receive on bench joinery and just carpentry courses. It’s a real credit to their hard work and dedication as well as their ability to maintain the high standards I set in my workshop.”
Marc added, “It was such a fantastic opportunity that I got to compete against 13 other colleges and approximately 50 students in the intercollege carpentry competition. I really appreciate Jamie's support in picking me to represent the College and I'm so pleased with an overall second place win."
Competitions like this provide students with valuable opportunities build confidence, challenge themselves and develop their experience. Marc’s success reflects the dedication of the College’s construction students and the high standard of training that takes place in at the College of West Anglia.