Chichester College Apprentice in line for prestigious award

A Chichester College apprentice has been selected for the Apprentice of the Year Award at the British Woodworking Federation’s Annual Awards and Dinner evening for his hard-work and can-do attitude.

Apprentice Max Carter was put forward for the prestigious award by Construction Teaching and Learning Manager, Neil Redman and lecturer Sean Casey for the recognition of his self-motivation and initiative.

The award, now in its 20th year, will take place on Friday 24 November at The Langham, London Hotel and acknowledges the achievements of apprentices and aims to give individuals and businesses across the country the chance to show their best work.

The 20-year-old started his journey at the college as a Level 1 Furniture Making student, where he progressed to Level 2 and 3 while taking on a two-year apprenticeship.

Max is now working two days a week as a technician at Japanese-inspired furniture maker, Wabi Sabi.

He said: “I studied Design Technology at school and this course was the closest thing to it. I knew I wanted to do something with my hands but I wasn’t much of an academic student, but I just love working with my hands.

“I think I stand out because of my willingness to work in any aspect and give up extra time. No matter what, I’ll give up my time and get to work.”

Max is dedicated to his work at Chichester College and Wabi Sabi but has ambitions of setting up his own workshop when the time is right.

He said: “I’d love to set up my own workshop eventually. For now, I’m working with external companies. I haven’t made anything outside of college but everything I’ve made inside the college I’m very proud of. My third year final piece was the first thing I ever made. It was a desk and I’m very proud of it.

“My friends and family couldn’t be happier for me. They knew I was a hard worker but to see it in writing meant a lot to me.”

Max’s lecturer, Sean has watched Max progress since his first day at the college and felt putting him forward for the award was the best decision.

He said: “Max came along and did a Level 2 diploma before an in-house position became available for an apprenticeship.

“Max threw his hat in the ring and we could see he was keen and that he’d be great for the role. So, obviously he got our votes, and he’s surpassed. He’s self-motivated and he’s got the initiative to see something and think, ‘I’ll sort this out. I’ll take it on and I’ll sort it out.’

“So, for Max, I was part of his journey, but he would have done well in spite of me, not because of me. I showed him the way and he was very motivated. I had to wind him up and he’d go and do what he had to do. So, he’s very self-motivated. He’s now got a couple of days a week in the industry and he’s now at a point where it’s time to move on and keep progressing.”