A Carrbridge man has won first prize in a national carpenter's craft competition organised by the Institute of Carpenters (IOC).

Trainee Ewan Buxton, 26 is a second year Modern Apprentice at Inverness College, studying carpentry and joinery and is also employed by GD Gray Joiners in Nethybridge. 

Modern Apprenticeships offer people aged over 16 the chance of paid employment combined with the opportunity to train for jobs at craft, technician and management level. They are an exciting way of gaining skills and qualifications that will help to start a career without having to study full-time, and are available now across a wide range of industries.

Ewan was sent plans of a guest house sign which he had to complete in his own time.  To make it as accurately as possible, he bought himself some special tools, working on the piece both at home and at college.  To make it more interesting and to surprise the viewer, Ewan made a box, using dovetail corners, customised to fit and transport the piece.

Ewan received the Highland Building Employers Association Award for the Best Apprentice and the Rosefarm Quaich for Most Outstanding Carpentry and Joinery student at Inverness College.  He has just returned from London where he received both the Scottish and British awards in the Institute of Carpenters Carpentry and Joinery competition. 

Nominated by the Inverness College and his employer, Ewan is delighted with his achievements.  He said:  "I am delighted to receive not only the regional award but also the national prize.  It was by far the most complex piece I have ever made and I enjoyed the challenge and sent it away knowing I'd done my best.  It was an honour to go to the Carpenters' Hall to receive my award; I felt a great sense of achievement and am proud to take such an award home to the Highlands.  I'd like to thank both Inverness College and my employer, Gordon Gray for giving me the opportunity and continued support."

CITB Construction Skills is the training provider responsible for Modern Apprentices and is funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). 

Bob Shanks, development manager for Developing Skills at HIE said:  " It is particularly gratifying to see that somebody who has  decided to change direction has made such a positive start to their new career through participating in a Modern Apprenticeship. With Ewan's undoubted talent and skills, plus the experience he has gained both with his employer and at Inverness College, he is set for a most satisfying and rewarding career in the Construction Sector."

Stephen Sheridan is the supervisory training adviser for the CITB Construction Skills and manages the MA programme throughout the HIE network.  He said:  "This wonderful occasion acknowledges the effort and excellence of our trainees.  We are committed to working with partners in the region to provide quality training opportunities for young people wishing to follow a career in the construction industry which is important to the Highland economy.  It is very encouraging to see such an excellent craftsperson from the Highlands being recognised under the carpenter's craft awards."