John Palmer Cup
John Palmer Cup, for the apprentice judged to be the best overall among the apprentice winners
2023 Winner
Apprentice: Jamie Laflin
Role: Carpenter
Employer: Crest Carpentry
College: Otley College
2022 Winner
The overall winner, taking the John Palmer Cup and £500 was Apprentice Carpenter, George Page. George works for SEH French and attends Suffolk New College, where he is in his second year of his Site Carpentry Apprenticeship. His employer has been extremely impressed with George’s ability and approach to his work saying: “We find George to be uncommonly good for his age. He is personable and professional, eloquent and diplomatic. He can mix with anyone on site and although driven to achieve his own career path, takes the time to learn about others.” Two runner-up prizes of a £100 were presented this year to: Apprentice Bricklayer, Louis Hart, who works at Seamans
Building and is in his second year at West Suffolk College, and Apprentice Carpenter, Zac Land, who works at Gipping Construction and is in his third year at Suffolk New College.
2019 Winner
The overall winner taking the John Palmer Cup, is 20-year old Jordan Thurwell. He joined the Blue Door Company based in Thorpe Abbotts near Diss in 2016 as an apprentice carpenter.
He said: “When I joined Blue Door, I wanted to take on an apprenticeship to learn a trade and build on the previous experience I had. I would like to thank the Blue Door Team and the college for allowing me to do just that! Without their support, I wouldn’t have achieved this award.”
Ken Bowden, Director at Blue Door added: “We would like to congratulate Jordan on achieving his award which is an acknowledgement of his hard work. Jordan’s success would not have been possible without the input of his work colleagues who constantly train, correct and encourage him along the way. We look forward to him achieving even more as his knowledge and skills continue to grow.