DCG's Carpentry and Joinery apprentices celebrate double success at prestigious competition

Derby College Group (DCG) is celebrating after its Carpentry and Joinery apprentices secured top honours at the annual Merlane Trophy competition, hosted this year at West Nottinghamshire College. The event, organised by the Institute of Carpenters, brought together talented apprentices from colleges across the region, including Sheffield, Lincoln, Newark, North Notts, and West Notts.

Derby College proudly entered three apprentices into the four-hour, skills-based challenge, where competitors were tasked with planning and producing a complex joinery piece from technical drawings. 

Representing DCG were Kieran Daly (Michael Peppers Joinery), Bethan Simmons (University of Nottingham), and Jack Henley (Orchard Works Joinery), all of whom delivered exceptional performances on the day.

Jack Henley took the coveted top spot, claiming the Merlane Trophy and a premium selection of professional tools. Meanwhile, Bethan Simmons was awarded the Ernie Leach Shield, presented to the apprentice who approached the task with the most logical and professional attitude, also earning a high-quality set of tools.

This marks the second consecutive year that Derby College has lifted the Merlane Trophy, a testament to the exceptional skills, training, and dedication of the College’s Carpentry & Joinery department.

Ben Hirst, Teacher of Carpentry & Joinery at Derby College, said: "I’m incredibly proud of all three of our apprentices. The standard of competition was outstanding, and to come away with not just the trophy but also the Ernie Leach Shield is a fantastic achievement. It speaks volumes about the talent we have at Derby College Group and the hard work our students put in every day. We can’t wait to host the 2026 competition and look forward to defending our title on home ground."

The Merlane Trophy competition encourages friendly rivalry between colleges while giving apprentices a valuable opportunity to test their practical skills and problem-solving abilities under timed conditions.

The 2026 Competition will be hosted by us at DCG's Hudson Building and hope for continued success.

For those interested in starting a career in construction, Derby College Group offers a wide range of full-time Construction courses in wood occupations, painting and decorating, plastering, trowel trades, plumbing, and electrical installation. Apprenticeships are also available across many crafts, including carpentry and joinery, with entry requirements including GCSEs or Functional Skills in English and Maths for certain roles.

For more information about Construction and Apprenticeship opportunities at Derby College Group, visit www.derby-college.ac.uk.