A Newcastle College student is among the first to receive an inaugural 3rd Year Student Award from the Institute of Carpenters (IoC), joining three other students from colleges across the country in the winning line-up.

Martin Gilmore, currently in the third year of a Carpentry and Joinery course at the college, was Highly Commended for his entry and received a certificate and voucher from Axminster Tools and Machinery, who sponsored the award. Alongside his studies, Martin runs his own business in residential development.

Receiving his award from Axminster Regional Manager Stevie Taylor and his tutor John Wade, Martin commented: “I’m delighted to have been recognised by the IoC for this award, it was an unexpected but positive end to the year. Thanks to John and the team at Newcastle College for their ongoing guidance and support.”

This is the first IoC 3rd Year Student Award, held amongst the colleges which hosted and launched a ‘City Hub’ grouping for the Institute in the last 18 months.

Craig Cowan, Head of Construction at Newcastle College commented: “It is fantastic to see that Martin has been Highly Commended by the IoC, particularly as this award recognises both his technical ability and his fantastic attitude and work ethos. We’re all really proud of Martin for this achievement and it is thoroughly deserved.
“Competitions like this are really important and offer excellent opportunities to students like Martin, driving them to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience, two vital things that are at the centre of everything Newcastle College offers.”

Judges for the first award included IoC board member Martin Corton of Rainleaf Artisan Flooring, YouTube carpentry & joinery celebrity and IoC Fellow, Robin Clevett of UK Construction and the SkillBuilder channel, and Institute President, Geoff Rhodes.

Geoff Rhodes, IoC President, summarised: “I was really so delighted to see the high quality of entries from these colleges, spread across the UK. All of the students individually can be very proud to have been selected as a candidate by their respective colleges, and I am sure that each of them will progress successfully through their remaining time in college and on into their professional careers, at this time of a national craft skills shortage.”

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