Former West Suffolk College carpentry apprentice Felix Jones, from near Bury St Edmunds, receives recognition from Institute of Carpenters

A young carpenter from Suffolk has gained recognition in a national competition.

Felix Jones, 20, a former West Suffolk College carpentry apprentice from Lackford, received a highly commended certificate in the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) 3rd Year Student Award for 2023.

In addition to this success, Felix became the second ever recipient of the Robert Rampley Memorial Award for outstanding craftsmanship.

This award was created by the family of Robert Rampley – a dedicated carpenter and joiner who passed away three years ago.

On receiving these awards, Felix said: “I enjoy carpentry – especially the restoration side of it.

“My long-term ambition is to be the best. Getting recognition from the IOC is good for my future. If you want to get awards and achievements you need to work hard and learn from the people around you.”

Felix’s employer is F.A Valiant & Son Ltd and Tom Austin – a construction manager for the firm and a former student of the college - came along to support Felix when he was presented with his prize at the Milburn Campus of West Suffolk College, in Bury St Edmunds.

Tom said: “We are a very traditional bespoke company, a good local employer, we look after our apprentices and we specialise in historic restoration.

“It’s important to get good links with your local college; we communicate very well with them to achieve good outcomes. I’m very pleased for Felix [in terms of winning this award]. He is committed and puts a lot of thought and effort into his work.”

Brian Tunbridge, a lecturer at West Suffolk College who taught both Felix and Tom, said: “I’m very proud to see my former student [Tom] with another former student [Felix] working together as colleagues for F.A Valiant & Son on this prestigious occasion.”

Geoff Rhodes, president of the IOC, said: “We have 46 FE colleges who work with us nationally and we work very closely together with them to promote the construction industry and career pathways.

“Along with our free IOC Student Membership scheme, this national competition is very important to us and we were amazed by the standard of entries this year. In terms of his awards, Felix stood out because of his work ethic and the range of his work was eye opening.”

Felix also received a series of high-value purchasing vouchers provided by sponsors Axminster Tools, Reisser UK, Ironmongery Direct and Medite SmartPly.

Phil Stittle, an executive director for business development at West Suffolk College, presented Felix with his prize and spoke to the other 150 apprentices in attendance.

Phil said: “You can aspire to great things. It takes effort and dedication but if you love what you do you will get there.”