Higher Themis Apprentices Thomas Firth (25, Colne) Chelsea-Marie Parker (24, Earby) and Ewan Stevenson (23, Boarsgreave, Rossendale) were presented with their Higher National Certificate (HNC) awards at the Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme Achievement Ceremony, hosted at Plaisterer’s Hall, London.
The awards were presented by The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley and were attended by Master of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, Dr Tony Smart MBE and dignitaries from the Worshipful Companies of Dyers, Wax Chandlers, Upholders, Glaziers, Clockmakers, Wheelwrights, Coachmakers and Air Pilots.
Thomas, Chelsea-Marie and Ewan all achieved Distinction certificates, gaining them each a HNC in Furniture Design and Make. Not only did each Themis Apprentice receive their qualifications, they are now all embarking on the next stage of their outstanding careers. Ewen Stevenson will now take his Higher level qualification back to Burgess Beds, Rossendale to a new role as General Manager. Chelsea-Marie Parker is continuing her professional development and keen to pursue a degree level qualification in Product Design, supported by her employer Silentnight, Barnoldswick, where Thomas Firth will be putting his Higher Level qualification to good use in a new role as Junior Manager.
Chelsea-Marie Parker, who has also won a City and Guilds Medal for Excellence and a Lancashire Business Award for her outstanding work said of her achievement:
“All my trainers knew I wanted to achieve my best work and become and industry leader and they were more than keen to help me get there. They also took a lot of interest in my future plans and nominated me for awards for the effort I put into my training.”
Curriculum Manager Paul Stackhouse said:
“This honourable occasion was made even more special by the fact that it was down to each individual’s hard work and drive that they were awarded with their HNC certificates. We have relished training Apprentices as hard-working and driven as Thomas, Chelsea-Marie and Ewan and supporting them through their progression and look forward to being a part of their #futureboss careers in the furniture making industry. All three Apprentices – now qualified furniture makers – are a credit to Themis and to their employers.”
Director of Themis Simon Jordan said:
“It’s an incredible honour for our Higher Apprentices to have their hard work recognised in this way by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers at this extremely prestigious national celebration of the future of craft and skill in this country. Thomas, Chelsea-Marie and Ewan have worked exceptionally hard to gain their qualifications and have proved beyond doubt that they are highly skilled leaders of tomorrow within this competitive industry. The entire Themis team has seen them progress from when they first began as Advanced Apprentices and we wish them the very best in their leading careers in the Furniture Making industry.”
