West Nottinghamshire College hosted the Institute of Carpenters’ prestigious Merlane Trophy competition, which featured 16 students from colleges in the East Midlands competing in a one-day practical work competition judged by sector experts.

The contest at the college’s construction campus in Sutton allowed carpentry students across the region to showcase their skills and knowledge.

Two students from West Notts, Sam Thompson and Alfie Walters, who are both studying the Advanced Diploma in Bench Joinery, were among the contestants who had to craft a scaled down version of first-floor joists with an open stairwell.

The college received a shield from the Institute of Carpenters East Midlands for hosting the event.

Head of department for construction crafts Adam Thompson said: “I am so proud that Sam and Alfie entered the competition. It’s not about winning; it’s having the courage to compete in something as prestigious as this competition. They coped incredibly well under pressure and produced some excellent work.”

Together with West Notts, other colleges taking part were Lincoln, North Notts, Newark, Sheffield, and Derby.
The competition was sponsored by Knotts Joinery Ltd, Dovetail and Slate, TJ Timber, Huws Gray, Tilgear, Protrade, Stabila, Vaughandale Construction, Howdens, Rustic Rural, Allan Gregory, Alan Beet, Oakwood Builders, and The David Winson Organisation.

First prize went to Jack Henley, of Derby College, with second and third prizes going to North Notts College’s Alfie Waldock and Harrison Lindsay respectively. The Ernie Leach Shield Award went to Bethan Simmons, of Derby College, for her attention to health and safety detail. Prizes included hand tools, power tools, and a workbench.