Carpentry and joinery apprentice Chris Wilson, from Birmingham, has been announced as one of three winners of The Nation’s A* Trades Apprentice Award 2025.
The award, run by Markel Direct - the specialist tradespeople insurer - aims to celebrate the outstanding work trades apprentices all over the UK are doing within their workplace, while also highlighting the important role apprentices play in the future of the construction industry.
Chris faced stiff competition from nominations across the UK, and was chosen as a winner by the judging panel of Rob Rees (divisional director of Markel Direct), James Wilson (marketing manager of Festool), and Robin Clevett (carpenter and host of the Carpentry Show on Fix Radio).
Chris received a development package consisting of a Festool toolkit and accessories worth £4,000, 24-hour tools cover for a year from Markel Direct worth £294, and a £750 voucher to spend on trades clothing at workwear and tools provider ITS.
Chris was nominated by his employer, Rafael Rose James of RRJ Carpentry and Joinery Ltd.
Rafael said: “Chris continues to go above and beyond my expectations; his work ethic is a breath of fresh air. Both me and Chris are neurodivergent, so it has been difficult. However, his endless patience and willingness to learn has made me want to not just be the best teacher I can for him, but also push the company to new heights, taking on bigger and better jobs as we progress together.”.
Chris said: “With these prizes I've won, it's going to help me a lot. I’m very privileged to win it all. With the Markel Direct tool insurance, it does take a bit of weight off your shoulders knowing you don’t have to pay for the insurance as well for a good year. For the £750 ITS voucher, it’s only right if I spend a bit of it on Rafa as well because he does deserve this as much as me, because he put in all the hard work teaching me and got me to where I am today.”.
Rob Rees said: “The quality of this year’s nominations was outstanding and, on behalf of the judges, I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate an apprentice. Choosing the three winners was incredibly difficult, as so many nominations illustrated the invaluable contribution that apprentices make to the trades and construction industry."
