Wood you believe it?
Three learners from West Suffolk College nailed it by coming first, second and third in a national skills competition.
They all took part in the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers City of London Craft Competition that took place at the Built Environment campus in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday 12 April 2025.
This was the first time that this occasion had taken place outside of the capital and the Suffolk air must have worked wonders for the college trio as they went away with the three top prizes.
A total of 21 competitors from four colleges were involved.
They all had eight hours to build a small coffee table from scratch during an event that was sponsored by Taylor Made Joinery and Festool.
All participants received £25.00 for entering thanks to The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers who also handed out £1000 to the winner, £500.00 to the second placed student and £100 to the highly commended learner who came third.
The winner for 2025 was 19-year-old James Buckle from Stowmarket. James works for Woodland Bespoke Joinery and finished his West Suffolk College apprenticeship on the day of the competition. He said: “I’ve been involved in competitions, and I managed my time well having learnt from previous experiences. I was very pleased and surprised to win. I’m delighted. My work colleagues were really impressed.
“I’m going to spend the money on tools to help me in the future. The win is a good thing for my career, a great thing to put on my CV and it’s a confidence boost.”
In terms of the college support, James – who was also awarded the John Rabey Platter and an engraved silver square for claiming the top spot – added: “Brian and the college have been a massive help to me – I would recommend it (West Suffolk College) to others – they have been very supportive.”
Gareth Watkins is the current Master of the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers who oversaw an event that has been running for over a decade. Gareth said: “Joinery is one of the basic trades that underpins building – it’s a great skill to have and it’s a skill that will always be needed.”
In terms of the competition, he added: “These skills showcase, show support and encouragement for the craft of Joinery across the country and it was great to see so many competitors take part.”
Peter Maton is the Chair of the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers Craft Committee.
Peter said: “I employ apprentices myself and competitions like this help show you that there are youngsters out there with real talent.
“This is the first time it’s been held outside of London and it’s good to promote the trade in other parts of the country. It hopefully inspires people to come into the industry and that is what it’s all about.”
Carpentry lecturer from the college Brian Tunbridge said: “This is a great competition and to see our students bag the top three prizes shows the standard and quality of student that we are producing. It made me feel incredibly proud when the winners were announced.”
