Member Article

Leeds Carpenter Nails Two Top Awards

A TALENTED young carpenter from Leeds has won two national and prestigious awards in recognition of his skills and commitment to his trade.

Andris Pakalns, who studies at Leeds College of Building, and works at Nova Display near Garforth, won first prize in the highly-respected Carpenters’ Craft Competition, which is organised by the Institute of Carpenters, in the over 20s category. The prize, which included £500 and a trophy, was presented at an awards ceremony held at the historic Carpenters’ Hall in London.

It’s the only national competition open to those studying carpentry, joinery and shop fitting, and is designed to give outstanding students the opportunity to showcase their work and have it judged by industry leaders. As well as scooping the ‘IOC Shield’, the 32-year-old, who lives in Kirkstall, was also presented with the George Pysden Trophy by the judging committee, in overall recognition of the outstanding quality of his work.

Another Leeds College of Building student, Jordan Carling, also came second in the Carpenters’ Craft Competition under 20s category. Jordan works within his family’s joinery and carpentry business, CT Carling, which is based in Halifax.

Andris has spent the last three years studying a Level 2 and 3 NVQ in shopfitting at Leeds College of Building and joined Nova Display in 2013. He says: “Being presented with these two awards at London’s Carpenters’ Hall was an extremely proud moment for me. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Leeds College of Building and putting what I learn into practice at work. Working to the highest standard possible is something I always take great pride in and it’s a huge compliment that the judges thought my work was worthy of these awards, especially because there were some really good candidates in the competition.”

Ian Billyard, Principal from Leeds College of Building says: “This a tough competition that attracts some of the best young joinery and carpentry students from across the UK, so it’s fantastic to see two of our students doing so well in it.

“Andris is an outstanding student and thoroughly deserves to win these awards. He’s very hard working, with great attention to detail and always goes above and beyond what’s required. He’s a credit to Nova Display and definitely has a very bright future ahead of him.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Steven Wright .