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Past Apprentices

Darren Blackwell

The Worshipful Company of Upholders – Three Year Apprenticeship in Upholstery

Darren completed his three year diploma whilst working for almost four years at his former employers, William Fountain. He worked on a range of modern and traditional upholstery. As well as working on individual customer commissions, he worked on site, in customers’ houses and in business premises, making bespoke beds and seating plans. His Stage 3 traditional upholstery piece was a magnificent winged armchair. The frame of which was supplied by the Upholders Company and he upholstered it using hair and fibre fillings. Plus he used traditional hand-stitched techniques with a deep-buttoned back and a feather cushion. The fabrics were sponsored by Kobe Fabrics and Darren chose two contrasting materials on the inside and outside of the chair.

Not only did Darren successfully complete his three-year apprenticeship, but he also passed his Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers Diploma qualification with a much deserved Distinction. The Upholders Company was also delighted that Darren joined us for the Lincoln Heritage Skills Festival in June, where he spoke to members of the public about his apprenticeship and the work that he does. His winged armchair was on display and he was a massive hit with the visitors.

Darren is a very motivated and talented young man. Much of the upholstered furniture produced today is made using modern materials and techniques, but Darren is someone who will carry the traditional craft skills forward. These skills are not only necessary in producing quality modern upholstery, but essential in maintaining and conserving historic and antique pieces of furniture and soft furnishings. Darren will undoubtedly have a long and prosperous career in the Upholstery industry.

Richard Cooper

The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Bee Farming

Richard worked his apprenticeship under the tutorship of his father at Beult House Bees in Kent. Richard says he got plenty of hands on experience – not just looking after honeybees but in woodwork, presentation skills and how to add value to a small business. When he joined the company honey production was the main source of income. Richard realised quickly that this was very dependent on good weather. He decided to develop new products using the beeswax – candles, cosmetics and polish. He says he learned much from his week-long block release sessions run by our assessors – David Rudland, Celia Rudland and Gay Meyrick – all working bee farmers. Richard says he discovered that beeswax was a wonderful substance to work with. He lost track of how many candles he tested and he does an interesting talk on this showing how he learned from his mistakes. He has now taken many of his new products to market proving what an asset he is to the business.

Richard achieved a well deserved Distinction.

Tom Courtiour

The Worshipful Company of Glaziers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Stained Glass Practice

Tom obtained a BTech from Strode College where he studied Engineering from 2006 to 2008. In 2014, he started a three-year Apprenticeship in Stained Glass Practice at Holy Well Glass under the programme organised through the Worshipful Company of Glaziers & Painters of Glass.

Tom’s work has demonstrated a comprehensive mix of skills and knowledge covering the whole range of stained glass practice, including glass painting, glazing and conservation, an understanding of the historical context and of the material properties of glass; and of modern conservation ethics and studio practice.

He has shown himself to be a talented glass painter, a skill which he continues to develop. He has produced some interesting work during the painting skills sessions that take place at Holy Well. Tom has also put great effort into his document presentation and has produced some very well thought- out and engaging pieces.

He is an excellent and valued member of the Holy Well Glass team, where he continues to be employed. Tom has been awarded with a Merit.

David Davis

Honourable Company of Air Pilots – One Year Flight Instructor Higher Apprenticeship

David initially funded himself through a private pilot’s licence in the USA, and then a commercial licence and instrument rating in the UK. He was awarded an apprenticeship after interview with the Company and conducted his training in Spain and at Shoreham under the supervision of his Host Trainer, Phil Jones, Chief Flying Instructor at FTA Global at Brighton City Airport, West Sussex and his assessor, Stevie Green. He qualified as a ‘Restricted’ instructor on 2nd August this year and has completed 116 instructional sorties as part of his apprenticeship. In addition, he has authorised a number of student pilots to undertake their first solo flight. That is a heavy responsibility. David has benefited from the experience of a number of instructors from within the Company. Of particular note were the lectures on the psychology of instructing given by Warden Nick Goodwyn. His End Point Assessment included a flying sortie on 7 September with Past Master Saul-Pooley, an experienced Flight Examiner. The written part of his EPA included a draft Training Manual for Remotely Piloted Air Systems (Drones). This could prove an important tool in improving the safety awareness of amateur Remotely Piloted Air System operators. When what was the highlight of his course, David replied “Finishing it”.

On completion of his apprenticeship, David was awarded a grading of Merit.

Timothy Davis

The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Bee Farming

Tim has worked at Field Honey Farm – trained by Master Bee Farmer Robert Field. It is through his employer’s links with the New Zealand bee industry that Timothy was one of the first apprentices to spend time training on a Manuka farm. He made a great impression on his hosts in New Zealand – not least by turning up in muddy boots at the airport which were promptly confiscated by immigration officials!

Tim has proved an asset to his business – turning out at 3am one morning because he was worried that there was something wrong with the bees. He has also proved a rather good wildlife photographer – a stunning bee photo appearing on the front cover of a prestigious bee magazine.

Jack Elliot

Worshipful Company of Clockmakers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Clock and Watch Engraving

Sam James Ltd was formed in 2011 as specialists in their field of hand engraving. In addition to letter cutting for clock and watch engraving, their work covers pictorial scenes and portraits; seal engraving; carving; gun engraving and cutting for enamel and master making.

Jack began his hand engraving apprenticeship in 2014 and the Hand Engravers Association has been delighted with his progress. He has shown enthusiasm and talent, receiving Bronze and Silver Awards three years running in the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards.

Having completed his apprenticeship, Jack continues to work at Sam James Ltd as a professional engraver.

Thomas Firth

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers – Three Year Apprenticeship: Furniture Manufacturing Technician

Tom started at Silentnight on a Level 2 Upholstery Course and on completion became a Team Leader. This involved solving problems on the shop floor and helping other to reach their targets on quality and volume.

He was then selected to join the LCAS Level 4 programme where he has excelled and completed with a Distinction. He joined the Furniture Makers’ Young Professionals Industry Experience programme which visits a number of companies, some manufactures and other in the supply chain and then later hosted the 2017 students when they visited Silentnight on the same program. He has spoken at our Apprenticeship Seminar at Furniture Makers’ Hall telling members of our industry about the value of apprenticeships and said that the Level 4 programme gave him the knowledge required to enable him to progress in the company. He is now a Junior Manager.

He is currently working through a personal development plan where he spends time in each department of the company. Tom is held in high regard by the company and he is now hoping to start a full degree and work his way up to becoming a Senior Manager.

Joseph Fredricks

The Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights – Three Year Apprenticeship in Wheelwrighting

Joe started his Wheelwrights’ Apprenticeship in July 2014 and during his training he also attended a course in bench joinery at the Hugh Baird College. Prior to this in June 2014 Joe had been awarded ‘Student of the Year’ on an Engineering Extended Diploma Level 3 Course at Southport College, so he was clearly a very motivated young man.

His keenness was illustrated by the fact that he took the initiative to submit an application for funding from the NADFAS David Bell Memorial Fund in 2016 and needless to say with his determination he was successful. Joe used the grant to buy tools.

He also likes the slightly unusual – as part of the Wheelwrights’ entry to the Lord Mayor’s Show in 2015 he made a unicycle that had a wooden wheel – it was a great piece of work, but he found riding it a little precarious.

For Joe’s final Apprentice piece he decided to make a Bulgarian farm wagon. A key reason for doing this was that his employer, Phill Gregson and his wife Emily had decided they were going to embark on a journey from the Mersey to the Mediterranean in a horse-drawn wagon. This was to raise funds for the three charities that had supported them when their daughter Elsie had passed away at the age of one month. For Joe this was also an opportunity for him to show his wheelwright skills and he built a wagon big and robust enough to withstand the long horse-drawn journey.

Joe is a credit to himself as well as the Wheelwright’s Craft and he was awarded a Merit for his overall performance during the course of his apprenticeship.

Andrew Little

The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Bee Farming

Andrew combined his apprenticeship on the family farm at Exmoor Bees with a role in the Territorial Army. During his first year he also managed a tour of duty in Kenya. Andrew’s knowledge of good customer care has travelled too – a Master of a Livery Company telephoned us to say he had visited Exmoor Bees and was “very impressed” by the knowledge of the young apprentice who had served him –that turned out to be Andrew. Andrew has also shone in the group as the person all turn to with IT problems – even the assessors.

Lewis Little

The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Bee Farming

Lewis is the youngest qualifying apprentice. He joined us straight from school at 16. Indeed, we had to send a letter to the school to get special permission to allow him to join the scheme. If there was a special award for the youngster who has improved the most it would go to Lewis. He has worked with his assessor Gay Meyrick to prove hard work leads to achievement. All the tutors agree it has been a pleasure to have him in the classroom.

Rebecca Marshall

The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Bee Farming

Rebecca was our first apprentice to join the scheme and, indeed, to become apprenticed to the Wax Chandlers Livery Company as well. Rebecca worked her three-year apprenticeship on her father – Master Bee Farmer Ged Marshall’s farm. Ged is also the current chairman of the Bee Farmers Association of the UK. Daughter and father are the epitome of what this scheme is all about – passing on industry skills for future generations. Ged is an expert in raising good queen bees – Rebecca has not just learned from him she has travelled far and wide in her studies – Australia, New Zealand and Denmark. She has also gained much from working with our major sponsors – Rowse Honey.

Rebecca’s hard work has resulted in achieving the highest honour of a distinction.

Edward Naylor

Worshipful Company of Dyers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Textile Dyeing

Edward was a trainee technical dyer at Bulmer & Lumb when he was put forward as an apprentice under the Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme in 2014. Edward started the Textile Colouration Certificate course and soon became an outstanding pupil as he progressed through the three years and qualified with distinction. His ability and skill as well as his attitude and commitment is now reflected in his progress at Bulmer & Lumb and he is one of the first pupils to start on the new Associateship Society of Dyers & Colourists’ course as it gets underway.

James Northwood

Worshipful Company of Clockmakers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Watchmaking

Having recently completed his clockmaking apprenticeship with support from the George Daniels Educational Trust and the Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme, James has decided to learn the skills and techniques for watchmaking as well. His Master reported that “James worked hard to pick up the basics and understand the history of the clock”. James has completed the Diploma in the Servicing and Repair of Clock / Watches (clock pathway) which enable him to become a professional member of the British Horological Institute (MBHI). He is due to take the necessary BHI exams for the watch pathway in 2018 and is being supported by the George Daniels’ Educational Trust in this further training.

James is employed by G W Blower, Dunmow, Essex.

Chelsea Parker

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers – Three Year Apprenticeship: Furniture Manufacturing Technician

“The Level 4 Apprenticeship has helped me progress into the area of the company that I was aspiring to – the Product Development team – and I am loving every minute of it. My apprenticeship has helped me to progress with this fantastic company. I have learnt so many different skills that have allowed me to climb higher within the organisation; without the Apprenticeship I honestly believe that I would not be where I am today.

I have enjoyed every minute of my Apprenticeship – don’t get me wrong, it has been very hard work, but knowing that I achieved what I thought was the impossible has made me believe in myself. You can do anything if you work hard and push yourself hard”.

Chelsea is hoping to continue in product development, design and research and to follow a product through from conception to production. To support this ambition, she wants to continue her education in the area of product design. Chelsea achieved a well-deserved Distinction.

Hannah Reeves

The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Bee Farming

Hannah worked her apprenticeship with urban bee farmers – the London Honey Company. She is known to many for her high profile in the industry – seizing all opportunities to publicise the bee farming apprenticeship scheme. Hannah looked after the bees at DEFRA HQ meeting many politicians and ministers in that role. She also achieved the accolade of getting mentioned in Parliament. She, too, has travelled widely in pursuit of her studies and produced articles for bee magazines to show her enthusiasm.

George Richards

The Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights – Three Year Apprenticeship in Wheelwrighting

George started his Wheelwrights’ Apprenticeship in October 2013 and while being trained in the workshop he also attended Exeter College, where he studied bench joinery. He is a very determined young man and before starting his apprenticeship George approached Greg Rowland about getting some work experience in the summer of 2013. At that time Greg did not have the appropriate insurance in place to provide the work experience that George wanted. George did no more than get his parents to sign a disclaimer, to enable him to get the experience.

In the September, when George signed on at the College, he told them that he was on an apprenticeship and Greg was providing the workplace training. Although the possibility of this had been discussed, Greg was rather taken aback when the College contacted him about this. He agreed to take him on and as they say the rest is history.

George progressed well over his apprenticeship. At the Wheelwrights’ annual weekend held in Colyton, where Liverymen and their guests get hands-on experience in making wheels, he coaches the groups that attend with great confidence. As part of the Wheelwrights entry to the Lord Mayor’s Show in 2015 he made a very impressive Devon handcart, which as a true entrepreneur he subsequently sold to one of our Past Masters.

For his final Apprentice piece he made a half-sized British 6lb Cannon. He had worked on quite a few cannons during his apprenticeship and he was fascinated by them while on his visit to Colonial Williamsburg. His first piece of work after completing his apprenticeship was the full restoration of a Somerset Farm Wagon. He is a credit to himself as well as the Wheelwright’s Craft and he was awarded a Merit for his overall performance during the course of his apprenticeship.

Jacob Russell

Worshipful Company of Clockmakers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Watchmaking

Jacob gained an apprenticeship with the family business J E Allnutt and Son and was supported by the Clockmakers’ Charity and the Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme. Throughout his three year apprenticeship Jacob showed great perseverance to master the skills and understand the principles of watchmaking. In May 2015 he completed the accredited qualification, The Diploma in the Servicing and Repair of Clocks, Level 4, to become a Member of the British Horological Institute. He subsequently became a Fellow of the British Horological Institute (the youngest Fellow at the time) on gaining a higher qualification and is now focusing on watchmaking. Jacob received the Journeyman’s Award from the Lord Mayor in March 2016 and was awarded the Clockmakers’ Poole Cup in 2016 as well.

Ewan Stevenson

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers – Three Year Apprenticeship: Furniture Manufacturing Technician

Ewan served a one-year apprenticeship at Burgess Beds in furniture manufacturing and covered all aspects of mattress production. In addition, he looked at health and safety in the work place and ways in which the product and it manufacture could have as smallest impact as possible on the environment.

Recognised by the company as a high flyer he later joined the LCAS Level 4 programme where the study of modern technologies, computer-aided design and production methods & techniques help him to understand what would be required from an operation manager. He visited a number of other companies, taking his own initiative to visit another bed manufacture and the BMW Mini factory which helped him with his final third year project on Lean Manufacturing and how to implement these techniques at Burgess Beds.

He has recently been made a General Manager at the company and has been put on a Health and Safety course following which he is hoping to take on the Health and Safety and risk assessment for the organisation and also to follow through with the implementation of a lean manufacturing programme.

Ewan is also a member of the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue team who can be called on at any time to support the emergency services.

Ewan is a very committed young man and is well deserved of the Distinction he was awarded.

Kirsty Thomson

The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers – Three Year Harness Making and Carriage RestorationApprenticeship

Kirsty Thomson completed her apprenticeship at The Royal Mews in September 2017. During her 3 years of training she displayed exceptional skills as a saddler and harness maker; she quickly learnt new skills and terminology in a unique environment and made a major contribution to the small team working there. In recent years, proof of her achievements has been regularly displayed at the National Saddlery Competition at which every year she has won several prizes. In the carriage restoration workshop she displayed an artistic talent for fine paintwork, lining and heraldic work while at the same time diligently learning about the construction and restoration of historic carriages. Her final major project to demonstrate the range of skills that she had mastered during her apprenticeship was the restoration of a ladies’ Pony Phaeton which was once driven by Her Majesty the Queen in 1943. The work set included the restoration of the vehicle itself and included reprinting and restoring the leatherwork and making an entire new pony harness to complete the turnout. The culmination of the project however came on the 5th of April 2017 when the complete turnout was presented to Her Majesty for approval. Her Majesty was very pleased with the outcome which was a testament to Kirsty’s achievements during her 3 year apprenticeship.

Throughout her time at the Mews Kirsty was part of the team supporting major ceremonial events and was on duty during State Visits, the State Opening of Parliament, during the Royal Week at Ascot and annually at the Lord Mayor’s Show. In addition, Kirsty attended the Lincoln Cathedral Heritage Festival in June 2017 during which she demonstrated her skills on the Coachmakers’ Company stand by making a set of 4 hand stitched leather place mats for the dining table; these were later sold at auction in support of the Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund.

Shane Toomey

The Worshipful Company of Glaziers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Stained Glass Practice

Shane obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bath Spa University where he studied Three-dimensional Design: ‘from Idea to Material Object’ from 2010 to 2013. In 2014, he began a three-year apprenticeship in Stained Glass Practice at Holy Well Glass under the programme organised through the Worshipful Company of Glaziers & Painters of Glass.

Shane has demonstrated an excellent knowledge and application of the practical and academic skills required for stained glass practice, including glass painting, glazing and conservation, an understanding of the historical context and of the material properties of glass; and of modern conservation ethics and studio practice.

Shane has shown that he can take advantage of the digital techniques that are increasingly becoming essential skills for the modern glazier. He has an impressive command of Computer Aided Design and file modification software. He put this to good use on a major glazing project at Exeter Cathedral, involving the preparation of templates for water jet cutting of bronze section.

Shane has also demonstrated a close attention to detail, and a ready willingness to go the extra mile on the conservation projects to which he was assigned. He remains a valued team member at Holy Well Glass. Shane was awarded a Distinction.

Christopher Wheeler

Worshipful Company of Clockmakers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Watchmaking

Supported by both the George Daniels’ Educational Trust and the Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme, Chris’s hard work in acquiring the clockmakers’ skills over the last three year paid off in his final British Horological Institute exams this Summer: 87% in practical 79% in drawing clock and watch escapements and 61% in the theory of complex clocks. He was the winner of BHI prize for best serviced striking and the winner of the George Daniels Educational Trust’s prize for best overall result in the Diploma in the Servicing and Repair of Clocks / Watches. Chris is continuing to put his new skills to work in the family business Wheelers’ Horological in Worthing, Sussex.

Alana Williamson

Worshipful Company of Dyers – Three Year Apprenticeship in Textile Dyeing

Alana was a laboratory assistant at Park Valley Mills when she started her colouration education under the Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme. From the laboratory she progressed to sample package dyeing and then shade matching, taking responsibility for one main customer whom she visited in Ireland. Halfway through the course Alana moved to Bulmer & Lumb and there completed the Textile Colouration Certificate course with distinction. She has now decided to go to Leeds University to pursue a degree in the School of Design.