Empowering Excellence: Carpentry Apprentice Wins the South West Apprentice of the Year Award

In a resounding testament to the transformative power of apprenticeships, Amy Brown, our apprentice has not only broken barriers but also proven that dedication, passion, and skill know no gender boundaries.

Nominated by her employer Tombs Developments for the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards 2023, she now stands tall as the South West Intermediate Apprentice of the Year.

Amy’s journey started when she decided to get qualified in trade, a career often perceived as male dominated. She wanted to learn from someone with experience and acquire skills in a hands-on environment. She embarked on her apprenticeship journey with a determination to excel.

Now in the second year of her apprenticeship, Amy continues to grow and develop her carpentry skills praised by her employer and trainers at GC.

“We are hugely proud of Amy and all that she has achieved since joining Tombs Developments, said Dominic Cook, Director 

“When we employed Amy she had no experience in construction, but this didn’t hold her back. Her dedication and desire to learn and produce excellent quality work have ensured that she has progressed very rapidly.

“She is now a valuable member of our small team. Being able to trust Amy to work independently and to a good standard is a huge bonus to us as employers. Amy embodies the concept that hard work and dedication really do pay off.”

Sam Olaleye, a Training Coordinator at GC couldn’t agree more: “From the very beginning, it was clear that Amy was a dedicated craftsman in the making. Her commitment to honing her skills has been remarkable.

"Carpentry is a trade that demands precision, patience, and creativity, and Amy has consistently exemplified these qualities at the highest level. I look forward to witnessing her future achievements.”

Throughout her apprenticeship, Amy has been enjoying the diverse nature of carpentry tasks, whether it was working on skirting, reinforcing timber structures, or constructing stud walls. In every project, her work consistently met the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

“My favourite thing about the apprenticeship is getting stuck in and being hands-on. I am not the one to sit at the desk, so the fact that I can learn and apply my skills on the job and get stuff done has worked really well for me. After I complete my apprenticeship, I plan to stay on with my employer and gain more experience as a qualified carpenter.” – said Amy

We hope that Amy’s success will become an inspiration to others, especially aspiring female apprentices looking to venture into trades.

Her story is a reminder that the future of apprenticeships is not just about acquiring skills; it's about unleashing the potential within each individual. Through apprenticeships, education and business can join forces to nurture talent, break barriers, and build a solid pipeline of talent for the future of the industry.

The National Apprenticeship Awards organised by Department of Education recognise the achievements of extraordinary apprentices, the businesses that employ them, and the individuals who champion apprenticeships. Upon winning in her category, Amy has now been invited to the national awards ceremony next month. We wish her and her employer all the best!

To find out more about our trade apprenticeships provision, please visit this page.

To view all our apprenticeship programmes, visit here.  

If you are interested in recruiting an apprentice or have a talented member of staff looking to obtain a qualification, get in touch with our expert team for a no-obligation consultation.  

Email: employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk

Call: 0345 1552020