The debut BTX Carpentry and Joinery Learner of the Year (LOY) Competition 2026 has been a massive success, celebrating the exceptional talent, dedication, and passion of the UK’s top carpentry and joinery students and apprentices.
A new initiative by BTX, introduced in 2026 after the success of the BTX Painting and Decorating LOY Competition. The BTX Carpentry and Joinery LOY Competition aims to recognise and celebrate the achievements of learners in the carpentry and joinery sector across the UK. This competition serves as a platform to showcase the skills and dedication of apprentices and students in this field.
The BTX Carpentry and Joinery LOY Competition ushers in a new era of celebrating emerging talent within the construction industry. This exciting platform is designed to highlight the most promising students and apprentices from across the UK, offering them recognition, valuable experience, and the chance to kickstart their careers in the trade. We aim to provide a springboard for competitors to achieve great success and emphasise the competition’s role in shaping the next generation of industry professionals.
The Grand Final, held on April 21st at Stephenson College, part of the Loughborough College Group, brought together six highly skilled finalists who went head-to-head in a competition meticulously designed by judging partner City & Guilds.
We are now thrilled to announce the very first winner of the BTX Carpentry and Joinery LOY Competition 2026 – congratulations to Harry Addicott from Exeter college, who claimed the title at this year’s Grand Final. Harry stood out from the competition with outstanding technical skills, precision, and a commitment to excellence.
Harry Addicott, representing Exeter College, was crowned the BTX Carpentry and Joinery LOY 2026 Winner, impressing the judges with their technical skills. Harry shared his excitement, saying, “It’s been good because a lot of different students do stuff a lot of different ways so you pick up little tips and tricks and they all help you out in the long run.”
Alfie Simpson from Exeter College secured the runner-up position, standing out to the judges in a highly competitive final.
Alfie Simpson, representing Exeter College, earned the title of BTX Carpentry and Joinery LOY 2026 Runner-Up, commenting, “It’s been quite interesting because obviously it’s the final so it’s from all over the country you know. From the south, north, so getting to meet new different people from different areas and hear their experiences with their work.”
Throughout the competition, the finalists showcased not only their technical abilities but also their problem-solving skills and in-depth industry knowledge. They tackled a challenging project created by judges Jason Howe and Richie West, from City & Guilds.
The competition is made possible by a fantastic group of industry-leading sponsors and supporters, including Paslode UK, SawStop, Tembe DIY, British Woodworking Federation, Fix Radio, Hultafors, Snickers Workwear & City & Guilds.
Zoë Tanner, Managing Director at BTX, commented: “In its inaugural year, the BTX Carpentry and Joinery Learner of the Year final brought together exceptional emerging talent from across the trade. Finalists worked through a series of practical, time-sensitive challenges that required precision, capability and professionalism under pressure. The results were highly impressive and point to a very promising future for the carpentry and joinery industry.”
Entries are now closed for 2026, but if you’d like to register your interest for any future BTX Carpentry & Joinery events, please fill in the form below.
Participants who have previously reached the BTX Carpentry & Joinery Learner of the Year Grand Final are not eligible to enter the competition again.
Please ensure that you have a read of our Competition Terms and Conditions here.
BTX Carpentry & Joinery Learner of the Year 2026 Final Photos
Want to relive this years competition? Check out the photos here!
Want to get involved in Learner of the Year?
Register your interest for 2027 here
