Nineteen-year-old Sean Facey from Bridgwater, Somerset, is carving out the career of an "exceptional" apprentice carpenter.
Sean stands out for his outstanding academic and practical achievements, together with the enthusiasm and pride that he takes in his work. These attributes have led him to be singled out by Brigwater College to represent them in the South West Regional SKILLBUILD finals. Sean has won once and come second twice, with his consistent successes taking him to the national finals held in October this year.
In his first year as a student at Bridgwater College, Sean was awarded Apprentice of the Year by his college and won the title again in 2004. After completing a one year NVQ level 1 in bricklaying and carpentry he went on to complete his full CITB Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Framework, including NVQ level 3 and has been involved in some excellent carpentry projects.
Modern Apprenticeship Training Officer Owen Foord, who was impressed by his positive attitude, intellect and ability, nominated Sean for Apprentice of the Year. He said: "Sean has learnt from first-class carpenters in a small family firm that does a huge variety of work. He has trained in the old-style and really got his head down. I have seen Sean's work on complex angled roofs, beautiful staircases and oak floors.
"We see so many youngsters come through the system, but once in a while one shines through like a leading light for others to follow. Sean is fast but the quality of his work is excellent. He is extremely conscientious."
A hobby helping with the largest illuminated carnival in the world has helped Sean further develop his carpentry skills. As an active member of the annual Bridgwater carnival, Sean designs and constructs a 100 foot long carnival float with thousands of light bulbs and numerous moving parts.
According to Sean's boss and mentor, Simon Marsh, this has given the youngster exceptional problemsolving and technical skills.
"This has helped him immensely as you have to design and form all sorts of wonderful shapes and attach them to metal frames. This is a very advanced form of carpentry. It also helps you to work out how to get over all sorts of hurdles. It is very different to on site carpentry."
Simon works with Sean's father, who is also a skilled carpenter and joiner. He took the youngster on as his first ever apprentice after he left school with 13 GCSEs. He said: "I was with Sean's father the day he was born. As a lad he was always keen to come on site and help his dad and me. He watched us work and has turned out exceptionally well. He can now construct even the most complicated cut roofs and there are not many carpenters these days who can do that."
The judges were impressed not only by Sean's "superlative high achievement, both academically and practically" but also by his strong interpersonal and leadership skills, brought on, they believe, by his community activity with the Carnival Club.
The judges based their ultimate decision on his consistent performance and his ability to gain knowledge from older generations with enthusiasm that raises the status of apprenticeships in the industry.
Following Sean's successful apprenticeship, his employers have now taken on a second apprentice.
