Tom joined the Weymouth Canoe Lifeguards at 13 and went on to work as a lifeguard and activity instructor for PGL in France when he was older. He wanted a ‘skill-based’ career that was both practical and included problem solving. Tom’s father built a strip-plank kayak and Tom found his inspiration. After finishing the 38 week course Tom worked at Cockwells building bespoke luxury tenders. Tom says that at Cockwells he put into practice what he learned on the course. He faced new challenges, got a feel for business side of things and used traditional techniques – steam bending and replacing planks – as well as modern – producing high quality GRP work. Tom then moved back to the Dorset/Devon area to work at Woodscott Joinery, who pride themselves on the technical excellence of their work and their attention to detail. They produce bespoke wooden furniture and architectural joinery. When we contacted Tom he was working on a very grand oak door for the National Trust. Tom said ‘I’ve fallen on my feet’. We think he works very hard. Tom’s role at Woodscott has developed and his responsibilities grown. He works with the CNC machine designing and developing new ideas, refining products and processes and improving on drawings. Tom’s found there are plenty of opportunities working for a small, high quality business. He says ‘I’m really happy about how it’s all worked out’.
