An Ipswich-based apprentice will be showcasing his carpentry skills to a national crowd after being crowned best in Suffolk.
George Page, a carpentry apprentice at SEH French, took part in the regional leg of SkillBuild in May, run by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
He will now compete against other regional finalists at the national finals in November.
George impressed judges at East Coast College in Lowestoft with his model of a traditional hand cut roof, of which he has completed a full scale installation of similar detail with SEH French.
The 19-year-old, who attends Suffolk New College as part of his apprenticeship said: “Everyone did a great job on the day, so to be awarded first place for carpentry was amazing news.
“I’ve learned so much during my time at SEH French and the college. It was great to showcase it during SkillBuild.
“Now I’m continuing to work hard on site and in college, and hopefully that’ll show in the finals.”
SkillBuild covers various categories including carpentry, bricklaying and joinery, with each testing students’ skill through practical work.
Simon Girling, Director of SEH French, said: “George is an exceptionally skilled carpenter with a bright future in the industry. The first-place award is well-deserved and we’ll certainly be cheering him on at the finals.
“The quality displayed through the regional round of the competition shows there is a lot of talent joining the industry, and we look forward to seeing what they all achieve.”
The national final takes place at Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes on 21-23 November 2023.
SEH French is a construction company based in Ipswich but operating across East Anglia, delivering projects across various sectors including residential and commercial.