Future Star nominee – Jordan Purcell

Future Star nominee – Jordan Purcell

From the moment Jordan Purcell stepped into his grandad’s workshop as a child he knew he wanted to be a joiner.

As a four-year-old he loved nothing more than getting his hands dirty turning wood. Thirteen years on the teenager is working as a Joinery Apprentice with Leek-based Brookeswood Joinery.

Since the age of seven Jordan has enjoyed working on his own woodwork projects and in 2017, at the age of just 10, set up his own Instagram page to show off his craftmanship.

The Instagram page, jord_the_maker, displays photographs of his beautiful handturned creations including bowls, ornaments, clocks and pens.

Jordan said: “I learnt a lot watching my grandad make things from wood in his workshop – so much so that growing up I always knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

“His craftsmanship always fascinated me and I knew that I wanted to learn the skills he had and make the things he could.

“My apprenticeship is teaching me so much. For me there is no better job than this and I can’t wait to carry on learning and developing.”

Brookeswood Installation Manager Steve Roberts said: “Jordan really is a rising star. He’s one of the best apprentices we’ve ever had. He has a natural talent and his aptitude to learning is second to none.

“In terms of his ability, he is far more advanced than you would expect for someone his age. He really cares about what he’s doing, really wants to learn and isn’t afraid to ask questions.

“Jordan has an incredibly bright future ahead of him and we are delighted that he is part of the Brookeswood Team.”

Jordan has been nominated in the Future Star category of the Your Heroes Awards.