It’s time to announce the BTX Carpentry and Joinery LOY 2026 Winner!
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. 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.
Alfie Simpson from Exeter College secured the runner-up position, standing out to the judges in a highly competitive final.
The finalists earned their places in the Grand Final after competing in a series of nationwide heats earlier this year. The talented finalists were:
Reece Brand from Cornwall College, St Austell
Harry Addicott from Exeter College
Alfie Simpson from Exeter College
Callum Greep from Wigan and Leigh College
Samuel Jones from Trafford and Stockport College Group
Wesley Baron from Wigan and Leigh College
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.
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, 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.”
The BTX Carpentry and Joinery LOY Competition is a new initiative by BTX, introduced in 2026 after the success of the BTX Painting and Decorating LOY Competition, launched in 2025. It 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 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.”
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.
Stay connected with us on social media to relive the journey and share in the excitement! Follow us on Instagram and use the hashtag #BTXLOY26 and #BTXCARPENTRY26 for highlights from this year’s competition.
