CABINET maker Owen Thomson has been named an apprentice of the year in a competition organised by Wiltshire College.

Owen, 20, who joined bespoke furniture firm Cheverell, in Devizes, with an ambition to be able to help create its hand crafted kitchen, bedroom and bathrooms took the carpentry and joinery category at the awards ceremony.

The former Melksham Oaks pupil has now became a full member of the company’s team.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be awarded Apprentice of the Year. I was grateful that my family came along to the awards ceremony to see me win.”

He originally wanted to be a plumber and studied it at Wiltshire College in Trowbridge but after completing the first year he decided to swap to woodwork.

He joined Cheverell as an apprentice two years ago.

Company founder Neil Straker said: “Investing in young people and developing their skills is an important part of the culture at Cheverell.

“Since completing his apprenticeship in October, Owen is using the skills he’s learnt over the last two years to provide high-quality furniture for us, which grace some of the most prestigious addresses in the UK and overseas.

“Owen has followed in the footsteps of many other Cheverell apprenticeships over the past 30 years who have become successful and highly-skilled cabinet makers. We’re proud to be investing in our staff and being part of the development of the best joiners in the industry.

“We will continue to invest in our staff and look forward to supporting our next apprentice as they begin their career.”

Cheverell was founded in 1989 by Mr Straker who said: “For the past 30 years, Cheverell has specialised in traditional cabinetry and joinery, creating beautiful, bespoke kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

“We are committed to keeping traditional craftsmanship alive, so we invest in apprenticeships that pave the way for bright futures in the industry, teaching essential skills to the next generation of specialists, in-house. “Following on from Owen’s great success we are continuing our dedication to developing new talent through the apprenticeship scheme.”