A Carpentry apprentice is preparing to participate in the national 2023 World Skills competition, following a starring role in a radio campaign to promote National Apprenticeship week.

Eighteen-year-old Riley Miller is in the third and final year of his Advanced Carpentry and Joinery Level 3 apprenticeship at Eastleigh College, during which he has progressed from strength to strength. Now having been nominated by his College lecturer Sam to participate in the World Skills competition, he has the opportunity to put all his training into practice and test his ability against some of the best new industry talent across the country.

This development follows Riley’s exciting feature in a UK radio campaign to promote National Apprenticeship Week in February. Riley was asked a series of questions to identify the benefits his apprenticeship has brought and why this is a good career route, with his answers broadcast live on Nation Broadcasting.

Whilst studying at Eastleigh College, Riley is working as a CNC Operator at SB Joinery as part of his apprenticeship. CNC Operators are skilled technicians who set up and maintain equipment processes, ensuring they run smoothly and to a high-performance level.

World Skills competitions are designed to develop vocational skills through global training standards and inspire young people to develop their abilities and pursue excellence in their industry fields. With the first edition dating back to 1950, the competition has a rich heritage and is now staged in 85 countries around the world.

Riley commented: “I’ve developed so much in my skillset during my time at Eastleigh College. When I first joined, I had minimal knowledge and experience with hand tools – now I can use them with ease, alongside power tools, static tools and a range of high-end machinery. My College lecturers have been brilliant and patient and have helped me grow in confidence. The industry is in need of younger joiners as the field is ageing so I hope to inspire other aspiring carpenters to pursue this career.”

Sam Grant, Carpentry Lecturer at Eastleigh College, said: “Riley has performed consistently strong throughout his apprenticeship and this is reflected in his participation in a national radio campaign. We look forward to rooting for him in the upcoming World Skills competition.”

To learn more about Carpentry at Eastleigh College, please click here.

For any further queries please contact the College at BeBetter@eastleigh.ac.uk.