Tirbhavan Singh Chodha (Tibby for short) won the BBC’s Young Carpenter of the Year in 2012. Since then, he’s made a name for himself testing tools, writing product reviews, doing live product demonstrations, judging competitions and lots more.
We caught up with Tibby to ask a few questions about Jewson Live and his day-to-day life as a carpentry superstar.
Hi Tibby. What will you be doing at Jewson Live?
Well, I’ll be meeting with other influencers, spending time with the Jewson team and also catching up with people from all the big brands who are set to be there. I’m really excited about visiting all the different stands and seeing the new products and technology on offer.
What are you most looking forward to?
I think the main highlight of the Jewson Live show is that it’s going to be hosted by Chris Kamara, who’s sure to bring an element of ‘unbelievable’ humour. Also it’s great to see that the event is focused on mental health and wellbeing in construction, so I’m looking forward to hearing individuals’ experiences on the panel such as Robbie Savage.
How did you start out?
I’ve had a passion for carpentry and joinery from a very young age, while I was at school all I did was eat, sleep, carpentry and joinery, and repeat! I wanted to get better at my trade each and every day, even if it meant staying behind at college to practice certain techniques or doing favours for my friends and family just to build my experience and knowledge quicker.
What’s been your proudest moment?
I’m humbled to have won many competitions throughout my career particularly BBC’s Carpenter of the Year, which I’d say is one of my proudest and biggest achievements.
What would be your top tips to other trades looking to be as successful as you are?
I’d say if you want to achieve something never give up until you reach your goal.
I always remember a competition that I took part in, called the Institute of Carpenters competition. I was determined and focused to get 1st place in the UK.
In three consecutive years I came 1st place in the regional heats and if you won the regional competition, you automatically got entered in to the nationals. So in the first year of the national finals I came third place, second year I came second and finally in the third year I came first place. Persistence does pay off!
Sign up to join Tibby at Jewson Live here.
