Red Lodge man Spencer Pettitt wins national carpentry award

A Suffolk carpenter has been crowned the best apprentice in the country by a leading institute.

Spencer Pettitt aged 27, from Red Lodge in Suffolk has hit the nail on the head by changing careers and winning a national award from the Institute of Carpenters (IOC).

The apprentice gained a degree in sports science after high school but after working for two years in sports rehab he decided to change direction and retrain.

“I’m lost for words and very honoured to have been given this award. It’s incredible to think that I have been judged as being the best apprentice carpenter in the country," said Spencer.

He decided to move into the carpentry trade, completing a level three apprenticeship with West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds and now works for Trevor Smith Building Ltd.

He picked up the award after being entered into the annual ‘3rd year Student Award Scheme Competition’ - overseen by the IOC, an organisation founded in 1890 that helps oversee the standards and training of carpenters and joiners based in the UK.

"Long term I dream of building my own houses – we’ will see where it takes me – winning this award will help my future ambitions," added Spencer.

Commenting on Spencer Pettitt’s win, Brian Tunbridge, a Lecturer in Carpentry & Joinery at West Suffolk College, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for Spencer to win this nationally recognised student award.

"On seeing this news, I believe current and future students at West Suffolk College can only be inspired to work hard and achieve their career dreams, just like Spencer."

Geoff Rhodes is the IOC President. He said: “One of the driving forces behind our work at the IOC currently is recognising the acute shortage of qualified carpenters and joiners across the UK.