Jack Corner crowned the best apprentice joiner in the UK at National SkillBuild final

The York College Architectural Joinery student, who served his apprenticeship with Norton Joinery, won his category at Milton Keynes’ Marshall Arena in what is the largest and longest-running multi-trade skills competition in the UK.

It was the third time Jack had reached the national final, which sees competitors, drawn from the top apprentices and trainees following regional qualifiers, construct a project designed by an expert panel of judges within 18 hours.     

The final tests the participants’ knowledge, skills and ability to work under pressure, with judges assessing technical ability, time management, problem solving and compliance with health and safety requirements.

On Jack’s achievement at being successful on the third time of asking, York College Construction & Engineering Curriculum & Standards Manager Mike Burdett said: “The concentration and dedication Jack demonstrated throughout the 18-hour competition was fantastic and I am particularly delighted for him with it being his third attempt at the national final. To eventually be named as the UK champion is testament to his determination.” 

Mark Fairweather, of Malton-based Norton Joinery, added his congratulations to Jack, saying: “Over the years, we have had several apprentices who have gone on to become very good bench joiners and, to have one recognised as the best in the country, makes us proud to have been able to pass on our knowledge to enable Jack to achieve this.

“Jack was a confident young man, even from first starting with us.  He always showed a natural ability in joinery and never doubted himself.”

Mark went on to declare that York College provide the best campus-based tuition for his company’s apprentices.

“We believe York College offers the best teaching to our apprentices in guiding them through the course to achieve their qualifications,” he said. “The course always complements what skills the apprentice is learning from us and there is always good communication between ourselves and the college regarding the progress of our apprentice.”

The National SkillBuild final sees regional qualifiers contesting 10 different construction trades and Jack was joined in Buckinghamshire by five other York College finalists with Adam Lee and Jack Simpson both securing third-placed finishes in the Stonemasonry and Furniture and Cabinet Making disciplines respectively.

Mike Burdett added: “I want to congratulate all six of our Construction students for their outstanding achievements. They all performed brilliantly in their respective competitions and we are incredibly proud of them.”

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