New Apprentice Award launches

We have launched an Apprentice Award to recognise the exceptional work of apprentices in the furniture sector.

The Apprentice Award is open to current apprentices studying at level 2 or level 3 or those who have completed their apprenticeship within the last 12 months.

Applicants will need to demonstrate excellence in craftsmanship, a good knowledge of the chosen materials and their properties, a well-considered approach to the making processes, initiative and keenness to learn, and the values of their organisation in their day-to-day work.

Applications will be shortlisted by a panel of experts with successful candidates being invited to exhibit their piece at the 2024 Young Furniture Makers Exhibition, where the final judging will happen. The winner of the prize will be announced at the exhibition’s award ceremony, which takes place in the evening of the event being held on Wednesday 2 October at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church, London. The deadline for submissions is Friday 14 June.

The esteemed judging panel is Amanda Moore, managing director at Achieve and Partners; Christian Notley, head of furniture studies at WorldSkills; and Jack Talbot, 2021 SkillsBuild winner and senior wood technician at Birmingham City University.

The winner will receive a certificate and recognition from the industry’s preeminent organisation plus a cash prize for the winner and two runners-up.

Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “Apprenticeships offer a unique advantage, bridging the gap between education and employment, empowering individuals to learn, grow, and thrive in their chosen career paths through hands-on experience and mentorship. We are thrilled to launch our new Apprentice Award, which aims to recognise the outstanding talent of apprentices while raising the profile and demonstrating the value of apprenticeships as a route to building a successful career. We strongly urge you to encourage apprentices at your business to enter this exciting new award.”

The award comes off the back of the introduction of a new Apprentice and Skills Plus service, launched in 2023 by The Furniture Makers’ Company in partnership with the Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance. The free service has been launched to support businesses in the furniture and furnishing industry to take on apprentices with ease.

To submit an application, apply online: https://bit.ly/YFMApprenticeAward2024