A talented carpenter from MidKent College’s Maidstone Campus nabbed first place in a national joinery competition.
21 year old apprentice with Denne Joinery, Chris Ward, was one of around 30 student hopefuls who took part in the prestigious Joiners and Ceilers competition, run by the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers of the City of London. He will collect his first place prize - an inscribed silver and rosewood presentation square, and a cheque for £1,000 - at a special prize giving to be held in London at the end of July.
The tough competition, held last month in Essex, challenged entrants to create an English oak chest using drawings and timber provided on the day. Carpentry lecturer at MidKent College’s Maidstone Campus, Dave Garrett, was delighted with the result. “Chris has a natural ability and his employer tells us his work is refined,” he said.
Despite having come third in the same competition last year, Chris was surprised to have won. “It was hard work,” he said, “and there was lots to do in the time, but I’m really pleased I came first. Now I just need to decide how I’m going to spend the money.”
Chris, who works four days a week with Denne Joinery in Canterbury, attends the college campus at Oakwood Park one day per week for his apprenticeship training.
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