From home-schooled woodworker to award-winning apprentice: Ben’s carpentry journey with Coleg Sir Gâr and TRJ

Ben Jenkins has been a dedicated and hardworking learner throughout his carpentry education. Home schooling provided him with a unique and hands-on learning experience, where woodworking with his father nurtured his love for craftsmanship. In 2018-2019, he completed GCSEs in Maths and English, followed by a foundational carpentry course in 2019-2020, where he mastered traditional joints such as Mortise and Tenon, Dovetail, and Bridle. A two-week placement with TRJ near Ammanford football field gave him invaluable site experience.

In 2020-2021, Ben progressed in carpentry, focusing more on health and safety while refining his practical skills. The following year, the impact of Covid on apprenticeships led him to work full-time with TRJ, where he gained essential workplace skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Returning to formal education in 2022-2023, Ben began his Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery qualification, balancing practical tasks with theoretical learning. He developed method statements, risk assessments, and tool lists, demonstrating resilience despite course structure changes. In 2023-2024, he enhanced his skills in kitchen fittings, staircase installations, and door hanging while also documenting third-year projects and competing in skill build competitions, earning a silver medal.

Now in 2024-2025, Ben is in the final stage of his qualification, undertaking six comprehensive tasks, including risk assessments and method statements. His commitment was recognised when he won the regional competition in Newport, securing a place in the national finals. His journey highlights the exceptional support he has received from Coleg Sir Gâr, TRJ, and his Training Advisor, Beverley Bovett. This strong partnership has provided the guidance, training, and opportunities that have allowed him to excel.

The apprenticeship programme has fostered outstanding collaboration between Coleg Sir Gâr and TRJ, demonstrating the benefits of apprenticeships in providing real-world experience and professional development. TRJ’s dedication to apprenticeships was recognised when they won Medium Employer of the Year at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024. Ben’s growth and success exemplify how apprenticeships nurture talent, confidence, and career readiness, making him a promising figure in the carpentry industry.