It’s been an amazing few weeks for Michaella Mason, Bournemouth. First she qualified as a full-time carpenter after four years intensive training and now she’s heard she’s the winner of a top award from her peers in the world of carpentry – The Institute of Carpenters.
Michaella, 25, has spent the last four years learning her skills and building her knowledge of wood trades at The Bournemouth & Poole College. She was an apprentice with Boyland Joinery, Christchurch, a company which specialises in quality window and door manufacturing. Now she’s a full-time carpenter with Boyland with a Level 3 NVQ.
Said Michaella: ‘It was a bit of shock to hear I’d won the award from the Institute of Carpenters. It’s quite an honour. I owe any success to my college tutors at the college’s Fulcrum Centre, especially Graham Saunders. He coaxed me through the demanding course. I was the only female in my group but I was treated just like all the guys.’
Cliff Thrumble, Managing Director at Boyland said;
‘Michaella is one of the best apprentices I have had the pleasure to employ. She is extremely modest but very hard working, she was also a runner up in the British Woodwork Federation National Apprentice of the year awards last year. I would encourage any ladies who thought it was a man’s game to get involved, Michaella is a leading light and we look forward to having her with us for many years to come.’