Carpentry Apprentice, 22, Takes on Regional Skills Battle
By Education Correspondent
A 22-year-old apprentice carpenter is set to test his skills against the best in the region after landing a place in a major competition.
Tom Martin, who trains with Bloor Homes and studies at Gloucestershire College, has been picked to compete in the 2026 regional heats of SkillBuild.
He’s one of just four apprentices chosen from a group of 80 at the college — and will now go head-to-head with rivals at Dudley College of Technology this May.
The six-hour challenge will push competitors to the limit, testing everything from precision and accuracy to time management and safety on site.
Martin Everton-Carr, Carpentry Apprentice Master at Bloor Homes, said: “We are proud of Tom for being selected… we wish him the best of luck.”
Tom added: “I’m really pleased to have been selected and will do my best to showcase the skills I have learned.”
Lecturer Simon Keitley also backed him to shine, saying: “Tom has shown he has the skill… we are proud to have him representing Gloucestershire College.”
Only the top scorers from across the UK will make it through to the national final later this year — putting Tom within reach of a major career boost if he impresses.
