The Institute of Carpenters is proud to be associated with several prestigious competitions and awards.  Some we are actively involved in as our members are judges, and others we simply have an interest in.

The Institute of Carpenters supports competitions and awards to encourage interest in the woodworking profession and promote the highest standards of craftsmanship. We are involved with competitions for students at the start of their careers right through to the pinnacle of any craftsman’s career – that of Master Joiner.

• Master Certificate Scheme – Run by City of London Livery Companies in partnership with City and Guilds. Awards at Craftsman, Journeyman and Master levels. Both the WC Joiners & Ceilers and WC Furniture Makers are partners in the Scheme. Whilst the Master Carpenter award is no longer available, IOC members working in carpentry can be considered for entry into the Master Joiners’ award.  
• The Wood Awards – The national Wood Awards started in 1971 as the Carpenters’ Award and was rebranded and launched in 2003 as the Wood Awards. The not-for-profit competition is the UK’s premier award scheme, with over 40 years of supporting excellence in architecture and furniture using the world’s only naturally sustainable material. The competition is open to UK-based projects completed in the last two years, where timber is a primary material
• Carpenters’ Craft Competition – The Carpenters’ Craft Competition is the only national competition open to students of carpentry, joinery and shop fitting.  It gives outstanding students the chance to showcase their work and have it judged by leaders in the field. With prizes of up to £500 available, the competition aims to encourage and reward highly motivated students who are prepared to go that extra mile to achieve the highest possible standards.
• SkillBuild – SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the country for construction trainees and apprentices, covering ten craft occupations.  Held annually, the competition begins with Regional Heats being held at colleges across England, Scotland and Wales and culminates in a National Final.
• 3rd Year Student Award – Annual competition for a 3rd year or  strong 2nd year student, nominated by their member college. Prizes are awarded to the winner and several runner ups and the Rainleaf Trophy awarded to the overall winner.   

Student members are often entered for competitions such as SkillBuild by their colleges, yet there are other awards and competitions to enter around the country.  Each of them will boost your knowledge, skills, and motivation and may also increase your likelihood of finding work after college.

It is important to get your entry in very much on time, if not early. Whether you are entering for an award, competition or applying for a bursary (a sum of money donated towards your studies by a local or national charity) make sure you read all the entry requirements and send in the right documents needed for the application process.

On this page, you can find awards and competitions with their dates for submitting entries or a list of bursaries you may qualify for and how to apply for them. Your IOC College Liaison Officer is your best support in entering any award or competition or applying for a bursary.