Sheffield-based student, Jon Nuttall, 20, is the second W Challenge finalist to be announced this week. Currently nearing completion of this Level 3 apprenticeship course with bespoke furniture specialist, My Fathers Heart, the Preston-born craftsman will be put through his paces in a bid to win the W Show’s first W Challenge at the Birmingham NEC from the 2nd-5th October.
Nuttall says: “I’m so happy to be announced as one of the W Challenge finalists. I was more than happy to take away the experience of competing in a nationwide woodworking competition and showcase the skills I’ve learnt during my apprenticeship but I never dreamed that I’d make it to the final. I can’t quite believe it.”
The final, which will run live alongside the four-day woodworking machinery and materials exhibition, W16, and open to spectators, will see Jon and three other finalists create a bespoke piece of furniture that meets the technical brief given by a panel of independent, industry professional. Nuttall explains, “I won’t know what the brief will include until I arrive at the NEC but if the regional heats are anything to go by, it will certainly be a challenge. I’m going to put my heart and soul into winning the title. I want to make my family proud.”
Jonathan Coulthard, founder of My Fathers Heart, adds, “We are absolutely thrilled that Jon has got through to the final. We are committed to apprenticeships and it is vital to keep these skills alive. Jon embodies the passionate philosophy of My Fathers Heart with his attention to detail, commitment to excellence and sheer love of the skills of the cabinetmaker. Jon is ensuring that we continue to offer superb quality craftsmanship into the next generation.”
The W Challenge is taking place alongside woodworking exhibition, W16, at the NEC Birmingham from the 2nd-5th October. To book your free ticket please visit www.wexhibition.co.uk or for the latest news follow @W_Exhibition and @Elements_Expo on Twitter.
