Four carpentry and joinery students have each received a personal reward from their Trafford College tutor after demonstrating outstanding dedication to their craft.
Level 1 learners Jamie Sheldon, Tyrun Potts, Kaiden Marshall and Sam Jones were each given a Stanley Jack wood plane by Stockport Campus programme leader Kevin Etchells.
Kevin said: “All four of these learners demonstrate many of the qualities which we promote as a college. Their behaviour is impeccable, they have an excellent work ethic, and they all work well within a team.
“They have each achieved all their learning outcomes, at times exceeding their own and my expectations, and have developed into mature and reliable individuals.
“I wanted to recognise the growth of these learners with something meaningful. I have a personal collection of Stanley Jack planes in my home workshop, and decided they would be the perfect gift.
“They were all surprised but grateful for the gesture and my wife is happy that there’s a bit less clutter in my workshop!”
Tyrun Potts, 17, was one of the students to receive a plane. He said: “It was a meaningful gift and I am very grateful to Kevin.
“When I first started out on the course I wasn’t doing too well, and when I attended a parents evening with my mum, Kevin pointed it out. I agreed I was being lazy and knew I needed to step it up. Kevin saw the vast improvement and the gift was him saying ‘well done’.”
Kevin also helped Tyrun to find an apprenticeship with Heritage Joinery Solutions Ltd in Reddish, which he has now started and is enjoying.
Two of the four learners have been recommended to one of the college’s employer partners as potential candidates for an apprenticeship vacancy.
No matter the outcome, Kevin is confident that all four have the ambition and ability to pursue careers as carpenters and joiners.
He added: “They have all invested in their craft by building up their own stock of tools. Three of the students have managed to usurp shed or garage space to create their own small workshops, which it seems has been a pleasant surprise to their families.
“Two have also told me that their grandfathers were carpenters and joiners, so it’s great to see them embrace their family heritage while embarking on their own career journeys.
“Whatever their futures may bring, I am certain that all four will enjoy success and I am confident they will prove to be as reliable to their future employers as they have been to me as learners.
“I wish them all every success.”
The Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery course is a stepping stone into the trade, giving learners the basic hand and craft skills they need to progress in their careers.
