Colchester-based kitchen company, Davonport, has held its second Gauge of Excellence competition, in partnership with Colchester Institute. The competition, which was founded by Davonport last year, is entered by students on the college’s Furniture Production Course and aims to test their skills and knowledge of woodworking.
Richard Davonport, MD at Davonport, set six students the challenge of testing out their skills and knowledge through building a structure with several complicated wood working joints using only hand tools, with Nathan Usher, pictured far left, being crowned the Gauge of Excellence winner.
Presented with a handmade trophy that Richard made from a mortice gauge that he himself used as an apprentice, Nathan also received £250 in prize money, which has kindly been donated by Häfele, who sponsored this year’s competition.
Richard Davonport said: “Entering its second year, the Gauge of Excellence award is a tough competition as Colchester Institute students must put into practice everything that have learnt since starting at the college. As the judge, my role is to ensure that the final pieces were the correct size, that all the joints held together and that there is a good finish on the final piece. These are all the areas we look for when we are designing and making our kitchens within our professional workshop. Nathan was a worthy winner who impressed with his attention to detail and the professional finish of his item.
“As a company who has worked closely with the college for several years, the Gauge of Excellence competition has further strengthened our relationship with the college and its students. Building on this, we’ll be continuing with our factory tours with the college students to help show them what is expected from employers once they have finished their course and are moving into the professional world.”
Chris Coe, area head for wood occupations at Colchester Institute, added: “Davonport continually offers support and guidance to our students, as well as offering several apprenticeship opportunities each year. The Gauge of Excellence competition is a highlight for many of our students, and it really helps to support and engage them in their studies. It is valuable to us as tutors to be able to work closely with local employers to develop our curriculum so that it develops a workforce with skills required by industries.”
