Click the links below to view details of current trainees:

• Brickwork placements with Mathias Restoration Ltd
• Earth building placement with Cob in Cornwall Ltd
• Lime plastering placements with W.I. Sargent Ltd
• Thatching placement with Pembrokeshire Thatching Services
• Brickwork placement with Simpson Brickwork Conservation Ltd
• Structural carpentry placement with McCurdy & Co
• Stone conservation placement with Gloucester Cathedral
• Blacksmithing placement with Fransham Forge
• Carpentry and Joinery placements with St. Fagans National Museum Wales
• Architectural Ceramics placement with Dreadnought Tiles
• Leadwork placement with Lincoln Cathedral Works Department
• Blacksmithing placement with Richard Bent
• Stone conservation placements with Carrek Ltd

Brickwork Placement with Mathias Restoration Ltd

Rob Heatley had put himself through a City & Guilds brickwork course and inspired by this, he successfully gained a 6 month placement with Mathias Restoration Ltd. During this time, he has gained a wide variety of experience in historic brickwork which has led him to gain his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills in brickwork.

 

Tracy Brindley has been working and teaching in the construction industry for several years. She wanted to improve her brickwork and pointing skills and is undertaking a 1 month (20 days) brickwork placement on a block release basis, as and when suitable projects come up.

 

Earth building placement with Cob in Cornwall Ltd

Andy Carne had worked in 3D animation in London before relocating to Cornwall. His interest in traditional building techniques led him to gain a 12 month placement with Cob in Cornwall Ltd, where he is honing these and his lime and clay plastering skills.

 

Lime plastering and pargetting placements with W.I. Sargent

Daniel Bunting and Adam Floyd had both been plastering for several years. Both wanted to expand their knowledge to traditional lime techniques. Both spent 3 months with Bill Sargent and have registered for their NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills in solid plastering.

 

Thatching placement with Pembrokeshire Thatching and Carpentry Services

Dafydd Driver has always wanted to be a thatcher. He was brought up on a farm and has always felt most comfortable outdoors. Training alongside Alan Jones of Pembrokeshire Thatching and Carpentry Services, he is learning the range of thatching processes for new and conservation type projects. He will be starting at Knuston College in January 2009 to work towards his NVQ Level 2 in Thatching.

 

Brickwork placement with Simpson Brickwork Conservation Ltd

Paul Kelly and Rob Heatley were both fortunate enough to gain a bursary that provided a 5 day gauged brickwork course with Dr Gerard Lynch and 3 weeks on site with Emma Simpson of Simpson Brickwork Conservation Ltd, at the Landmark Trust’s Queen Anne Summerhouse.

“For me, this has proved invaluable in that it has given me the opportunity to advance my knowledge and skill base, with some financial support, whilst still being able to attend to business. It's of great benefit to be working alongside people with the same passion for their craft. I found the training given by Bulmer Brick and Gerard Lynch, a breath of fresh air; being taught by highly skilled and very knowledgeable individuals. I would highly recommend the scheme, whether you are a seasoned craftsmen or a trainee.”

Structural carpentry placements with McCurdy & Co

Joe Kingdon had already got his NVQ level 2, but was desperate to work on historic buildings. He had just missed the opportunity to work on the conservation of the Cutty Sark when the devastating fire happened. Fortunately, he persevered and gained a 12 month placement to train with McCurdy & Co, focusing on structural timber framing.

Stone conservation placement with Gloucester Cathedral

Thomas Clews has just finished studying Architectural Building Conservation at Bournemouth University. He is currently carrying out a 12 month placement with the Works Department at Gloucester Cathedral, under the care of Master mason, Pascal Mychalysan.

 

Blacksmithing placement with Fransham Forge

Alex Buckland had been working with Nigel Barnett at Fransham Forge. His enthusiasm and commitment to training led him to gain a 12 month bursary to continue developing his practical skills.

 

 

Carpentry and Joinery placements with St. Fagans National Museum Wales

Spencer Perrin and Iwan Simpson had both been working as carpenters and joiners before they applied for a 6 month placement with the Building Department at St. Fagans. While working on building at the museum, they have also undertaken 2 timber framing courses with Hewnwood.

Architectural Ceramics placement with Dreadnought Tiles

Steven Parsonage had worked in brick manufacture for over 20 years. Working alongside the factory’s experienced craftsman, Brian Fragley, Steven is broadening his skills into tiles and bespoke architectural features.

Leadwork placement with Lincoln Cathedral Works Department

Wes Blyth was determined to work in the built heritage sector. He also had an interest in lead which he had incorporated into his degree show! He is undertaking a 12 month placement with the Works Department at Lincoln Cathedral and will be undertaking a City and Guilds leadwork course, which will hopefully lead to his NVQ level 2.

Blacksmithing placement with Richard Bent

Simon Doyle has completed a 1 year course in blacksmithing at Herefordshire College. Inspired to continue his practical skills, he is training for 12 months with Richard Bent.

Stone conservation placements with Carrek Ltd

Peter Miles and Patrick Orange have been studying stone conservation and stone masonry respectively. They are gaining some valuable site experience during the summer holidays before returning to their studies – Peter at Bournemouth University and Patrick at Bath College.

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