Designer wins training award

Jarrod Watson accepts the award.

99design and Form Furniture Noosa was the winner of the Queensland Training Awards – Small Employer of the year 2022, North Coast Region.

Based in Noosaville the locally owned designer, architectural cabinetry/joinery and handmade furniture businesses are an integral part of the joinery network and interiors industry, with a team that strive to make the impossible, possible.

Director Jarrod Watson said taking on challenging projects was their expertise and ensuring that style, functionality and the highest quality pieces stand the test of time. Since its inception in 2006, 99design has succeeded in creating jobs, educating the next generation of young cabinet makers through internal training and the apprenticeship scheme, future-proofing the joinery industry with a new wave of skilled tradespeople and providing the Sunshine Coast community with outstanding cabinetry and furniture pieces.

Jarrod has been in the industry for more than 20 years and as a local family man, believes in the investment of people and the importance of knowledge and education.

“The apprenticeship scheme is the ideal platform for training in technical aspects while learning through an ‘on the job’ integration of skills,” he said.

The Queensland Training Awards win was a nod to the amazing work that this local company has been achieving and continues to do.

The furniture arm of the business, Form, was conceived in August of 2021 due to an increase in demand, specializing in hand-crafted furniture made to order. “As more flat-pack furniture, imported and machine-driven design floods the market, 99design and FORM Furniture ensure traditional building methods are not lost to automation,” Jarrod said. “These skills are kept alive with the commitment and passion of individuals in these two thriving Sunshine Coast businesses”.

With three fully qualified apprentices completing their trade qualification, another about to qualify and four apprentices in the early stages of commencing their cabinet making careers, the future looks bright.

“We are thrilled to be the recipients of this award. 99design and Form Furniture have a proud history across the Sunshine Coast in ensuring and delivering excellence. Our team support each other and are an integral part of the learning and development process. This ensures a local, personalized aspect to all projects that both staff and in turn our clients enjoy,” he said.