The Institute of Carpenters supports competitions and awards to encourage interest in the woodworking profession and promote the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Winning a competition or award gives young woodworkers a head start in their chosen career. In addition, cash, trophies and diplomas are among the prizes on offer.
Skillbuild
SKILLBUILD competitions are supervised by the IOC and are open to craftsmen and women aged 22 or under.
Competitors can take part at regional and national level, with carpenters and joiners given specialist set pieces to complete within a specified time. The competition tests skill levels, efficiency and the ability to cope under pressure.
IOC members are very involved in this competition acting as judges and sharing their knowledge and expertise with the young competitors. If you would like to volunteer your services for Skillbuild 2008 please contact the Skillbuild Central Office.
For further information, please call the SKILLBUILD Central Office: 01323 645882, or visit www.skillbuild.org
The Carpenters Craft Competition
The Carpenters’ Craft Competition is the only national competition open to students of carpentry, joinery and shop fitting. It gives outstanding students the chance to showcase their work and have it judged by leaders in the field.
With prizes of up to £500 available, the competition aims to encourage and reward highly motivated students who are prepared to go that extra mile to achieve the highest possible standards.
Before 1972, two individual competitions were held by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters and the Institute of Carpenters. These two competitions were then developed into a single annual competition, attracting high calibre entrants from all walks of life and from all parts of the country.
We continue to build on this solid foundation, encouraging and promoting the superb standards of craftsmanship achieved by those just starting out in their careers - and showcasing the skills which are increasingly valued and sought after in the 21st century.
There are opportunities to take part at both a regional and national level, with students from over 200 colleges nationwide taking part.
Winners are presented with their prizes at a special ceremony held at the historic Carpenters’ Hall in London.
The Premier Award
Winners are presented with their prizes at a special ceremony held at the historic Carpenters' Hall in London. This Premier Award is only open to members of the Institute of Carpenters, and is the highest accolade available.
Applicants who wish to be considered should contact the Institute of Carpenters with details of a challenging project they are currently planning. We will then contact you to let you know if we can take your application forward and what is expected of you.
If your application is accepted, you will be expected to complete a top quality project and supply detailed paperwork, including plans, drawings, a time/work schedule and a summar of what has been involved.
Please contact us on 020 7256 2700 or email info@instituteofcarpenters.com
The Wood Awards
The Wood Awards recognise, promote and encourage outstanding design and craftsmanship in the use of wood for furniture and building projects in the 21st century.
These Awards play a key role in highlighting wood as the only building material that is renewable and sustainable whilst also offering unrivalled versatility and aesthetic qualiites.
The Award was first presented in 1971 as the Carpenters' Award 'for the very best work in joinery or other woodworking'. Originally run by Terence Mallinson, a Liveryman of the Carpenters' Company who has supported the Awards from the beginning. The annual award winners' presentation is held at Carpenters' Hall.
The Institute of Carpenters is one of the many sponsors of this prestigious event.
Award Categories
There are five main categories:
Public and Commercial
Private non-commercial buildings
Structural - including timber-frame buildings, bridges and interior or exterior structures.
Conservation/restoration projects
Furniture, including free-standing or fitted
Find out more at the Wood Awards website.