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We are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the Apprentice of the Year Award. This competition is open to apprentices at any stage of their carpentry, joinery or shopfitting training. The overall winner will receive the Rainleaf Trophy — previously awarded through the IOC’s 3rd Year Student Award, along with a share of the prizes which are also awarded to three highly commended applicants. The Robert Rampley Memorial Award for Outstanding Craftsmanship and The Sydney Thompsett Award for volunteering work will also run for the next 2 years. The original 3rd year student competition was built around a fixed three-year college route, whilst modern apprenticeship standards now run on variable timelines and the change in competition and name reflects how apprenticeships are trained and assessed today. For the first time, nominations can come directly from employers as well as colleges; recognising that outstanding apprentices are shaped on site as much as in the classroom. |
Who can be nominated?
Any apprentice currently enrolled on a recognised carpentry, joinery, or shopfitting/interior contracting apprenticeship — at any stage of their programme. Nominations can come from colleges, employers, or jointly from both.
What are judges looking for?
Nominations are assessed against five criteria:
- Technical skill and craftsmanship
- Progress and development throughout the apprenticeship
- Attitude, reliability, and conduct on site or in the workshop
- Commitment shown through personal initiative beyond course requirements
- A compelling case for why this apprentice should be Apprentice of the Year
How to nominate
It takes just a few minutes online. Visit Institute of Carpenters · Rainleaf Trophy to submit a nomination on behalf of an apprentice you teach or employ. Nominations close 15 January 2027.
About the Rainleaf Trophy
The Rainleaf Trophy is a hand-carved award made from a selection of English hardwoods, held by the winner for twelve months alongside a signed IOC certificate. It has been supported by IOC Director Martin Corton since the award’s introduction in 2020.
About our Sponsors
As in previous years, the award comes with a variety of prizes donated by our sponsors; these are shared between the overall winner and runners up.
Our sponsors include:
• Darwin Clayton UK
• Ironmongery Direct
• Medite SmartPly
• Rainleaf
• The family of the late Robert Rampley
• The family of the late Sydney Thompsett
• Tradepoint/B&Q
• Wood/Work
As in previous years, the overall winner will be awarded The Rainleaf Trophy. The Robert Rampley Memorial Award is a separate award, in memory of Robert Rampley, who devoted his life to creating immaculately crafted pieces. This award is given to the carpentry and joinery student who demonstrates the best eye for detail and a concerted effort to maintain traditional standards of their craft.
The Sydney Thompsett award will be awarded to an outstanding student who has helped their fellow students or is known to have volunteered their time elsewhere.
Should you have any further questions please contact us at: info@instituteofcarpenters.com.