IronmongeryDirect is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Institute of Carpenters 2021 ‘3rd Year Student Award’. Celebrating the achievements of students who have demonstrated exceptional standards in carpentry and joinery, the Student Award aims to encourage entrants into the industry – an initiative close to the ironmongery supplier’s hearts at a time of a national skills shortage.
Organised by the Institute of Carpenters (IOC), 35 further education member colleges across the UK have been invited to nominate their most talented third-year carpentry & joinery students for the Student Award 2021. Candidates will be assessed on several factors including their technical knowledge and quality of practical work and shortlisted by a judging panel including IOC board member Martin Corton, IOC Fellow and YouTube carpentry and joinery figurehead, Robin Clevett, and Institute President, Geoff Rhodes.
As part of its continued support of the trade and ongoing, extensive relationship with the IOC, specialist ironmongery supplier, IronmongeryDirect has contributed to the sponsorship of the competition with a donation of £500 to the prize fund.
On the company’s sponsorship, Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect said: “We have been supporters of the IOCs work for over 10 years and are delighted to sponsor this year’s IOC Student Award and recognise the talents of an up-and-coming generation of woodworkers. The competition provides an important platform to raise awareness of the trade, particularly at a time when the entire construction industry is facing a national skills shortage and we are proud to be able to support the IOC with its aims in addressing this.”
Geoff Rhodes, IOC President, said: “One of the driving forces behind our work at the IOC is the acute shortage of qualified carpenters and joiners across the UK. We launched this award scheme to help address and improve woodworking skills by providing support and encouragement to those embarking on their careers in the industry and give them the confidence to succeed.
He continued: “By celebrating the achievements of students who demonstrate the commitment and skills the industry so needs, we hope to inspire others to join and shape the future of the wood trades sector. We are thrilled that IronmongeryDirect share our values and has helped us achieve this with its contribution to the scheme.”
Now in its second year, the IOC 3rd Year Student Award provides a platform that raises awareness of the skills and opportunities in the industry, as well as a cause to celebrate the next generation of carpenters who exemplify professionalism and craftsmanship. The judging panel will award an outright student winner and two highly commended students at its presentation ceremony in December.
To find out more about IronmongeryDirect, visit www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk
