A WORCESTER apprentice was revealed as the winner of Travis Perkins’ design competition at the official opening of the builder merchant’s city store.
The city’s MP Robin Walker announced Heart of Worcestershire student Daniel Little as the winner last month at Travis Perkins’ new McKenzie Way branch.
Daniel entered work from his latest carpentry project – an oak veneered door installed with ironmongery, and won £500.
The 32-year-old, who is retraining after spending four years as a bricklayer, said: “I used all the latest technology such as router jigs to cut out the locks and hinges.
“I love to take pride in everything I do and the sense of satisfaction you get when you produce something to a high standard. But I also feel like I’m giving back to the community.”
Darren Godsall, branch manager of Travis Perkins McKenzie Way, said: “We wanted to encourage young trades people, and help set them up for a career in the industry because it’s vital we nurture and highlight the up and coming generation of skilled workers.”
Joanne Kotlerzweski, lead co-ordinator LSDO in construction at Heart of Worcestershire College, said: “There’s a huge skills gap in construction at the moment with more than 30,000 skilled workers needed.
“It’s important to see big players like Travis Perkins leading by example by encouraging apprenticeships in the Worcester area.
“The competition is a great illustration of this as it’s helped stimulate the development of our local talent.”
