College apprentice crowned trade champion

The skills of an apprentice carpenter and joiner studying at Derby College Group have helped him win a national competition.

Alex Avis has clinched the title of Screwfix Trade Apprentice of the Year, beating off competition from around 2,500 applicants nationwide.

Alex, who works for a heritage and period property construction specialist, attends the college’s Hudson Building once a week to work towards his qualifications in the trade.

He decided to enter the competition to showcase how ‘late bloomers’ can flourish in the trade and has won a career-boosting prize package worth £10,000 including tools, technology and training.

Derby College Group teacher Ben Hirst said: “We are incredibly proud of Alex who is a very talented carpenter and joiner and has a great work ethic.

“He will complete his apprenticeship next autumn and we look forward to staying in touch with him as his career progresses.”