First-year Bradford College students in six-hour challenge

It came as the college relaunched its annual Carpentry & Joinery ‘Student Skills Competition’ at its Construction & Engineering Trinity Green Campus.

Ten enthusiastic full-time students participated in the challenge, eager to demonstrate their newly acquired, industry-ready skills to the judges.

It was a great day for the students (Image: Bradford College) They produced samples of work that utilised multiple hand cut joints using traditional joinery techniques.

With all the students focused on the task and the clock ticking down toward the completion time, the incentive of top quality tools on offer really spurred them on.

First prize went to Harry Firth, followed by Wade Roberts and Seth Szyczak took up the last spot on the podium.

The challenge involved students from Bradford College (Image: Bradford College) James Haigh, Business Development & Engagement Manager from Bradford College, said: "It’s a privilege to host these events for our students with the support of our industry and supplier chain partners, reaffirming the importance of our employer endorsed pre-employment study programs.’’

Tutors Kelvin Tynan, Kevin Fish and Kieran Dalby managed the set up and conducted the day, expressing their pride in the students for stepping up to the challenge.

The college relaunched its annual Carpentry & Joinery ‘Student Skills Competition’ (Image: Bradford College) Jonathan Hemmingway, Director at Abrahams & Carlisle and endorser of the Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery department, said: "It was a pleasure to be asked to judge at this year's competition at Bradford College.

"The overall standard of skills on display was excellent from the students, making the decision for a winner all the more difficult.’’

10 enthusiastic students took part (Image: Bradford College) Stephen Smith, Head Of Department for Construction & Engineering, said: "We are immensely proud of our first skills competition in quite some time, enabling our learners to showcase the skills and behaviours required by industry to employers on the day, with the hope it will lead them into an engaging career in their chosen industry.’’ 

One student at work (Image: Bradford College) The event was sponsored by local tool supplier’s, A-One Tools & Fixings, Brighouse Ltd who provided prizes for the day.

Matt Wales, Sales manager at A-one, added: "The quality of the work highlights how far these students have come since September, they are truly a credit to the tutors and staff involved.

"Hats off to James Haigh and Olivia Walsh for arranging the event. Let’s bring on next year and make it even bigger!"