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Location: Placements > Past Trainees

Past Trainees

What are Trainees who have benefited from a bursary placement doing now?

Click the links below to view details of past trainees:

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Patrick McManus: Stonemasonry placement with Askins and Little

Patrick McManus is orinigally from Cumbria, but had relocated to London to undertake the Advanced Diploma stonemasonry course at the Building Crafts College, Stratford. He then went on to undertake the Princes Foundation Apprenticeship programmes where he gained a wide variety of experience in new and historic construction. Needing to gain further experience, Patrick has been successful in gaining a 6 month stonemasonry placement with Askins and Little who work in and around Cumbria.

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Jessica Mittler: Brickwork placement with Period Restoration

Jessica Mittler has been studying at the Building crafts College for her Foundation Degree in Building Conservation. Her enthusiasm for historic buildings is infectious and she has joined Clive Wilson and his team at Period Restoration, working on numerous building projects, ranging from a Georgian house to flint walls. The variety in the work will help her develop a broad practical knowledge and skills that will improve her practical skills, but also help her gain experience and evidence for her NVQ level 4 in Conservation Site Supervision.

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Neil Crocker: Dry stone walling placement with Sticks and Stone Conservation Ltd

Neil CrockerNeil Crocker move to Somerset and discovered his passion for dry stone walling. So committed was Neil that he had been camping while trying to get more experience. Thankfully, his perseverance has paid off and he was successful in gaining a 12 month placement under the expertise of Phil Smith of Sticks and Stone Conservation Ltd. Neil is now happily residing in slightly more comfortable surroundings while he works and learns alongside Phil and his team at various locations in and around Somerset. Neil hopes to gain his Intermediate and even his Advanced dry stone walling award by the time he completes is placement.

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Callum Dingwall: Blacksmithing placement with Newlyn Forge

Callum Dingwall had already gained his BTEC in blacksmithing and had been working and learning with at Steve Rook, Newlyn Forge, Watford. Continuing to learn with Steve, Callum will gain a wide variety of blacksmithing techniques to create new pieces and repair historic ironwork.

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Nathan Grassby and John Clancy: Brickwork placement with William Anelay Ltd

Nathan Grassby and John Clancy were successful ion gaining a 3 month placement working alongside the experience bricklayers of William Anelay Ltd at Astley Castle, near Nuneaton. This property is another project for the owners, Landmark Trust who are incorporating traditional and modern techniques in this exciting residential development. For part of this placement they also got to go on a tailor-made 5 day course with Dr Gerard Lynch.

Read about the restoration on the Astley Castle blog.

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Hannah Baars: Stonemasonry placement with Worcester Cathedral

Hannah BaarsHannah Baars has worked in an investment bank until she decided that she wanted to do something more creative. After completing her Advanced Diploma at the Building Crafts College, Stratford, she has gained a 12 month placement at Worcester Cathedral, where she joins Jason Crozier (see Past trainees).

 

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Hugo Pyett: Thatching placement with Mike Pawluk

Hugo PyettHugo Pyett was keen to become a thatcher. After doing some work experience, he found and met with master thatcher Mike Pawluk who has been using traditional and local materials and techniques to repair the thatched roofs of Cornwall for nearly a quarter of a century. Hugo successfully gained a 12 month placement to learn alongside Mike.

 

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Lewis Grimes: Thatching placement with Complete Thatching Services

Lewis had already spent his school holidays working with Wayne Plumbley of Complete Thatching Services and knew that thatching was the job for him. With a bursary to support him for 12 months, Lewis has started his training in earnest and is gathering evidence that will help him gain his NVQ level 2 in Thatching.

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Tom Laflin: Stone masonry placement with Exeter Cathedral

Having some experience in the construction industry gave Tom the momentum to develop his stonemasonry skills and having gained his Advance Construction Award in this from the Building Crafts College, Stratford, East London, Tom successfully gained a 6 month placement with the Works Department at Exeter Cathedral. Under the guidance of experienced mason, Gary Morley, Tom is gaining a wealth of experience that will help him achieve his NVQ level 3 in Banker masonry and Heritage Skills.

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Mark Calver: Solid plastering placement with Simon Swann Associates

Mark has been working as a plasterer for several years and wanted to learn more about traditional techniques and materials. Training with Simon Swann, Mark has gained first hand experience of lime plasters at numerous churches in Norfolk. He hopes this will lead to an NVQ qualification which will help him gain more work on old buildings.

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Emilia Villagra, Teresa Dybisz and Genevieve Abranson: Stone conservation placements with Carrek Ltd

Emilia VillagraCarrek Ltd have been working on a rolling programme of conservation to The White Tower at the Tower of London and for a third year, the Scheme has supported 3 trainees of undertaking short-term placements to gain experience of working on this prestigious project.

Emilia Villagra is an architect who focuses on historic structures. Wanting to gain some hands-on experience, Emilia honed her raking out and pointing skills as well as gaining experience of the scope of a conservation project. Using her experience of CAD, she is now working for Carrek Ltd, recording the work carried out on the project.

Teresa DybiszTeresa Dybisz wanted to continue her training in stone conservation and gain some site experience to compliment her formal stone masonry traiing which she undertook at Weymouth College. She is undertaking this placement during the college holidays and will return to her second year of the Architectural Stone carving course at City and Guilds College, Camberwell.

Genevieve Abranson has already had some experience of stone masonry, but wanted to gain some site experience on a stone conservation project. She too is learning about the removal of cementitous pointing and cutting and fixing of new stone.

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Bill Froggatt: Carpentry placement with Lincoln Cathedral Works Department

Bill Froggatt had been working for Natural England, but had a passion for carpentry and joinery. He undertook an evening class in this and gained his Advance Diploma. His determination and commitment to develop this interest into a career paid off and he was successful in gaining a 12 month carpentry placement at Lincoln Cathedral. Working alongside their experienced craftsmen, Bill is experiencing a wide variety of activities including roofs.

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Alex Rose-Deacon: Stone masonry placement with Gloucester Cathedral

Alex Rose-DeaconAlex Rose-Deacon had been working as an archaeologist and so had always had an interested in history. She fulfilled her ambition to put this into a more hands-on way by attending the Building Crafts College, Stratford to gain her Advanced Diploma in stonemasonry. She was successful in gaining a 12 month placement at Gloucester Cathedral where she will work both on the scaffold and in the workshop repairing existing and carving new elements for the on-going maintenance of the Cathedral.

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Lois Raine: Painting and Decorating with St. Fagans National Museum Wales

Lois RaineLois Raine had been restoring on old buildings for a while and found she was particularly drawn to painting and decorating. Working alongside the Museum’s Historic Buildings Unit craftsmen, she has been developing these skills, using traditional materials and techniques. Highlights have included gilding a newly carved lecturn for St. Teilos Church, a recent reconstruction.

 

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Lisa Ferguson: Painting and Decorating placement with Angel Interiors Ltd

Lisa FergusonLisa Ferguson originally trained as a dental technician, but went to Salisbury College to undertake her Intermediate Construction Award in painting and decorating. She is currently undertaking a 2 year placement with Angel Interiors Ltd, working on a variety of projects in and around London, including St Pancras.

 

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Mark Bradburn: St. Fagan’s Historic Buildings Unit

Mark has been working in the construction industry for several years and wanted to learn more about traditional building technique. Undertaking a placement with Cadw’s workforce at Caerphilly Castle and then with St. Fagan’s Historic Buildings Unit, he has experience first hand lime mortars, limewashing, random rubble walling.

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Freddie Wymark: Historic Properties Restoration Ltd

Freddie has already completed his stonemasonry apprenticeship through York College, but wanted further experience of historic stonework. Working alongside Historic Properties Restoration Ltd masons, he has worked on several outstanding buildings in the North East, including Alnwick Castle. Freddie is currently registered for hi NVQ level 3 heritage Skills and aims to gain this by mid 2010, so he can continue working in the built heritage sector.

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Matt Murphy: Northwest Lead Ltd

Matt MurphyMatt became interested in leadwork after taking a couple of courses at the Lead Sheet Association Centre in Kent. His fascination for this versatile and recyclable material has lead him to secure a 6 month placement with Northwest Lead Ltd. Under the guidance of Steve Hempstock, Matt will develop his skills further, working mainly on site. He has already achieved his health and safety test for his CSCS card and hopes to add an NVQ level 2 qualification to this.

 

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Lisa Oliver: C. S Williams Ltd

Lisa OliverLisa had undertaken her Intermediate Construction Award in carpentry at City of Bristol College and was then working at the Bristol Timber Recycling Centre. Seeking to hone her carpentry skills she gained a 12 month placement with C. S Williams Ltd. During this time she will work at The National Trust property, Tyntesfield and St. James’ Priory, Bristol.

 

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Mark Folkes: Minerva Stone Conservation

Mark had been working in the built heritage sector and been attending City of Bath College, learning stonemasonry. He continues with his Advanced Construction Diploma one day a week, while training with Minerva Stone Conservation the other four days.

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Daniel McColl: Graham Masonry Ltd

Daniel McCollDaniel McColl had originally studied sport science and had been working as a researcher. The draw of the great outdoors, lead Daniel to take up dry stone walling. Wanting to develop his stone masonry skills further, he went on numerous of the North East Civic Trust’s day courses and eventually gained a 6 month placement with Graham Masonry Ltd working at sites around Weardale.

 

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Sam Bramley: Fransham Forge

Sam had studies music at the University of East Anglia, during which time he has researched and made his own 17th century trumpet. Sam had always been interested in metalworking and he had been working in a bicycle repair shop before gaining a 12 month placement with Nigel Barnett at Fransham Forge, Norfolk. Sam is now working on a wide range of projects from historic railings and lamps to new arbours and sculpture.

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Steven Palmer: Down to Earth Project

Steven had been working and volunteering in wildlife conservation and had worked on earth building project in South America. Wanting to take this further, he is now training with Down to Earth Project on various community projects, focussing on earth building and limeplastering.

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Robin Buckley-Houston: Down to Earth Project

Robin Buckley-HoustonStarting out as a bricklayer with Swansea Council, Robin had served his apprenticeship and had experience of new build and maintenance. He became fascinated by the environmental properties of earth building and is now putting his earlier experiences to good use in his 6 month placement with Down to Earth Project in and around Swansea.

 

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Tracy Brindley: Brickwork placements with Mathias Restoration Ltd

Tracy BrindleyTracy 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.

> Read Tracy's testimonial.

 

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Joe Kingdon: Earth building placement with Cob in Cornwall Ltd

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.

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Simon Doyle: Blacksmithing placement with Richard Bent

Simon DoyleSimon 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.

 

 

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Andy Carne and Page Vela: Earth building placements with Cob in Cornwall

Page VelaAndy CarneAndy Carne and Page Vela are both undertaking 12 month placements in  part-time capacity with Katy Bryce and Adam Weisman of Cob in Cornwall. Working at various sites, they are gaining valuable experience of earth building and lime plastering.

Andy is keen to develop his general building conservation knowledge and has already undertaken a lot of work on his own home.

Page has travelled widely and was working as a community group worker before focusing on traditional building techniques.

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Andrew Brown-Jackson: Dry stone walling placement

Andrew Brown-Jackson is an experienced waller, who needed to undertake specific demonstration pieces to achieve his Mastercraft status. He applied and was successful in gaining a bursary to help him purchase materials and spend the time with other experienced wallers to do this. He aims to get this by 2011.

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Nora Kasanicka: Carpentry placement at Heritage Trust North West

Nora KasanickaNora Kasanicka is passionate about traditional and environmental building. Her interest in carpentry lead her to undertake an Intermediate Construction Award in Carpentry and her 12 month placement with the carpenters and joiners at the Heritage Trust North West will help her take her skills from the college workshop into the historic environment. Heritage Trust North West work on numerous buildings in and around Nelson. Nora has also attended a carving course and has bought some specialist tools with her bursary. Nora hopes to achieve her NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills during this placement.

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Malcolm Edwards: Earth building placement with Down to Earth

Molcolm EdwardsMalcolm Edwards works as a landscaper and dry stone waller and completed a part-time, 6 month placement with Down to Earth Project in and around Swansea. He successfully gained a post with ??? as  countryside ranger and contiues to use his practical skills as part of his job.

 

 

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Gordon Pipe: Stone conservation placement with Carrek Ltd

Gordon PipeGordon Pipe had completed his Foundation Degree at Bournemouth University and was keen to build on his existing stonemasonry and conservation skills. Working alongside Carrek Ltd’s craftsmen at Cemetery, Plymouth, Gordon got to undertake a wide range of skills from wet abrasive cleaning, mortar repairs and carving which gave him sufficient evidence to gain his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills and now continues to work as a freelance stone conservator.

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Becky Starmer: Fibrous plastering placement with Locker and Riley Ltd

Becky StarmerBecky Starmer had completed an art degree before working with Locker and Riley. They soon realised her talent for freehand modelling and she has combined this with other craft skills such as mould making. She has successfully gained her NVQ level 2 and is working towards her level 3 Heritage Skills. She is now employed by Locker and Riley.

 

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Joe Kingdon: Structural carpentry placement with McCurdy & Co Ltd

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.

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Spencer Perrin: Structural carpentry placement with St. Fagans, National Museum Wales

Spencer PerrinSpencer Perrin had been working as a carpenter before he applied for a 6 month placement with the Historic Building Unit at St. Fagans, during which time he gained his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills Spencer continues to work as a self-employed carpenter, working on numerous projects including some at St. Fagans.

 

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Iwan Simpson: Structural carpentry placement with St. Fagans, National Museum Wales

Iwan SimpsonIwan had been working as a furniture restorer before undertaking a 6 months placement with the Historic Building Unit at St. Fagans. He gained a wider experience of working on buildings during this time and has almost completed his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills. He continues to work as a self-employed carpenter on a variety of pojects.

 

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Steven Parsonage: Architectural Ceramics placement with Dreadnought Tiles Ltd

Steven Parsonage & Bryan FragleySteven Parsonage had worked in brick manufacture for over 20 years. Working alongside the factory’s experienced craftsman, Brian Fragley, Steven undertook a 12 month placement that broadened his skills into tiles and bespoke architectural features. Steven is now employed by Dreadnought Tiles Ltd.

 

 

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Wes Blyth: Leadwork placement with Lincoln Cathedral Works Department

Wez BlythWes 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 undertook a 12 month placement with the Works Department at Lincoln Cathedral, during which time he completed a City and Guilds leadwork course and gained his NVQ level 2. He is now participating in the new Heritage Specialist Apprenticeship Programme at the Lead Sheet Association that will lead him to gain his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills.

 

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Jason Crozier: Stonemasonry placement at Worcester Cathedral

Jason CrozierJason Crozier had worked in the construction industry, but knew his passion was for stonemasonry and carving. He successfully gained a 6month placement with the Cathedral Masons, under the experienced eye of Master mason, Darren Steele. The Scheme granted him another 6 month bursary which enabled him to collect sufficient evidence to gain his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills. He has also been fortunate enough to be attending the Cathedral Workshops Fellowship and begin a Foundation Degree in Stonemasonry (level 4) at Gloucester College. Jason will continue his training at the Cathedral for another year while he completes his Foundation degree.

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Tim Lawrence: Carpentry placement with The National Trust at Killerton Estate

Tim LawrenceThe craftsmen of the The National Trust Estates Team at Killerton have over 100 years of experience between them and so they are well placed to support a Trainee such as Tim Lawrence. Tim had been a self-employed carpenter and joiner in Hertfordshire, but was looking to increase his skills that would allow him to work on old buildings. Has completed a 12 month placement with the team at Killerton, during which time he gained his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills and has already become a Licentiate Member of the Institute of Carpenters. He has recently started work as a Clerk of Works fro the Corporation of London.

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Painting and Decorating placement with St. Fagans National Museum Wales

Marc HareMarc Hare is a self-employed painter and decorator and continues to work in this field. After his 6 month placement with St. Fagan’s National Museum, Wales, he now has some experience that allows him to offer a broader range of techniques, particularly those for historic buildings. He is registered for his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills in Painting and Decorating with Ann Cook Associates.

 

Read about Marc in the PDA's magazine Decorator.

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Painting and Decorating placement with St. Fagans National Museum Wales

Mathew EvansMathew Evans excelled at college and was awarded the Dulux Apprentice of the Year 2008. He has succeeded in gaining 2 placements – the first with Devereux Decorators and the second at St. Fagan’s Museum. A total of 9 months bursary will help him towards gaining his NVW Level 3 Heritage Skills in Painting and Decorating.

 

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Blacksmithing placement with Chris Topp Ltd

Neal Armstrong (TBSBS)Neal Armstrong worked as a computer engineer for most of his working life, but had always maintained an interest in blacksmithing. He is realising his ambition by developing his skills with Chris Topp Ltd with a 18 month placement, afterwhich he is enroled on the blacksmithing course at Herefordshire College, while continuing to work for Chris Topp Ltd.

 

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Carpentry placement with Works Department, Lincoln Cathedral

Jamie ArnoldJamie Arnold had gained his NVQ level 2 in site carpentry and was working as a self-employed carpenter in Lincolnshire. He has completed his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills through his 12 month placmeent at Lincoln Cathedral Works Department. He is the first person in the East Midlands region to do this.

 

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Thatching placement with Stephen Letch

Boz Williams (TBSBS)Boz Willows had already achieved his blacksmithing from Herefordshire College and had a fair amount of experience in harvesting straw and spar making. He built on these skills whilst learning with thatcher Stephen Letch. He is hoping to register for his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills via the On Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) route. He is continuing to work with Stephen.

 

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Joinery placement with Shaun Allen woodworking

Nigel SmithNigel Smith had worked as a panel beater and body repair technician for over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys restoring vintage cars and motorbikes. His dexterity, care and eye for detail are transferable skills that have led him to expand his knowledge into joinery. Working closely with Shaun Allen, Nigel has gained valuable experience working on a range of private and National Trust historic buildings. He is now self-epmployed and working on his own contracts.

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Stone conservation with Carrek Ltd

Henry SkinnerHenry Skinner has already gained his Intermediate and Advance Construction Awards in stone masonry and is currently studying for his Foundation Science Degree in Applied Architectural Stonework and Conservation at Bournemouth University. He hopes to use his academic studies and practical skills to provide an informed background to train as an Historic Building Surveyor.

 

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Stone conservation with Carrek Ltd

Lizzie BryantLizzie Bryant studied at Weymouth College and Bournemouth University and has continued to develop her professional and technical skills through a variety of experiences and courses, including project management, lime and letter carving.

 

 

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Stone masonry with Carrek Ltd

Peter Parnell has worked in the construction industry for 30 years. His interest in stone carving led him to attend some of the courses at the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust, but he wanted to develop his technical skills further. Peter intends to use this placement to complement the Open University course he is currently enrolled in to work within the built heritage sector.

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Lime plastering and pargetting placement with W.I. Sargent

Richard ChildsRichard Childs is currently studying for his Intermediate Construction Award in solid plastering at Highbury College, Portsmouth. Working alongside Bill Sargent will give him the practical experience and skills to help him gain his NVQ Level 2 and the practical skills to work on historic buildings. He intends to go on to study and gain his Advanced Construction Award in plastering.

 

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Lime plastering and pargetting placement with W.I. Sargent

Henry OrtonHenry Orton had gained a Fine Arts degree and had some experience of working in the heritage industry before undertaking a 3 month placement with Bill Sargent. Here Henry was able to build on his knowledge of lime and use his artistic skills to practice the craft of pargetting.

 

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Stone masonry placement with Historic Property Restoration Ltd

Ian McMaster: Stone masonry placementIan McMaster had previously worked with a sculptor, gained an art degree and had been running his own building company. A combination of these skills and experiences led Ian to successfully gain a 12 month placement with Historic Property Restoration Ltd. Ian is mainly site based, gaining a wide range of skills, following activities based on the NVQ Level 3 Heritage Skills in stone masonry. Ian is now employed full time with Historic Property Restoration, working toward gaining his NVQ Level 2 in Stonemasonry.

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Brickwork placement with Mathias Restoration Ltd

Gareth DawsGareth Daws has gained his Advanced Construction Award in Brickwork from South Kent Technical College, which he carried out part-time. He has been working part-time for the local authority and has undertaken the 1 month training placement with Mathias Restoration on a part-time basis. Gareth has gained experience of rubbed and gauged brickwork, as well as estimating small projects  that have given him the experience to undertake some of his own freelance contracts. He has also attended the 3 day gauged brickwork course with Dr Gerard Lynch at the Weald and Downland Museum.

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Stonemasonry placement with the Masonry team at Hardwick Hall

Wendy MartinWendy Martin has been studying carving at The City and Guilds. Her month long placement with The National Trust Masonry Team at Hardwick Hall has given her valuable insight into a building conservation project. She has also spent much of this time practicing her banker masonry skills.

 

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Stone carving placement with York Minster Works Department

Matthew Hodgkinson, Placement with York MinsterMathew Hodgkinson trained and works as a mason and joiner with Linfords Ltd before taking up a 6 month carving placement with the carving team at York Minster. Under the guidance of their experienced carvers, Mathew has carried out numerous carvings and has undertaken a short course to improve his letter cutting. Mathew is now a full time carver in the Carver's Workshop there.

 

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Thatching placement with S.M. Thatchers

Harry Raffle, placement with S. M. ThatchersHarry Raffle has some experience of thatching, but had not gained any qualifications. Training on a 6 month placement with Sean Eccles and his team of thatchers, Harry has developed a range of skills that will help him work towards his NVQ Level 3 Heritage Skills in thatching. Harry is now working as a sub-contractor thatcher and continues to develop his skills.

 

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Letter carving placement with A.J. Jones Ltd

Iestyn Griffiths, placement with A.J. Jones LTDIestyn Griffiths had been working in a family business, undertaking letter carving. Iestyn wanted to formalise his training and has successfully gained a 6 month placement at A.F. Jones Ltd, where he is able to focus on developing his skills on a variety of stone types, as well as undertaking formal short courses in calligraphy. Iestyn is continuing to work for A.F.Jones and intends to use his previous brickwork skills and letter carving skills within the built heritage sector.

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Blacksmith placement with Adrian Wood Artist Blacksmith

Lee Knibbs: Blacksmithing placementLee Knibbs has a background of working in metalwork, but has made the opportunity to focus his passion for blacksmithing by training and working alongside Adrian Wood for 6 months. Lee is now working full time with Adrian and continues to develop his blacksmithing skills.

 

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Stone masonry placement with The National Trust Masonry Team at Hardwick Hall

David Tanner: Stonemasonry placementDavid Tanner has worked for Cadw for 18 years. He has continued to develop his skills by undertaking several training opportunities. In 2005 he undertook a Prince's Foundation Scholarship. He is currently registered for his NVQ Level 3 Heritage Skills in Stone masonry and the 1 month placement with The National Trust will allow him to gain the work based evidence to gain this qualification. David continues to work as a conservator mason with Cadw in Wales.

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Thatching placement with Pembrokeshire Thatching and Carpentry Services

Dafydd DriverDafydd 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.

> Read Dafydds testimonial.

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Brickwork placement with Simpson Brickwork Conservation Ltd

Paul KellyPaul 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.”

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Lime plastering placements with W.I. Sargent

Daniel Bunting & Adam FloydDaniel 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.

 

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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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Earth building placement with Cob in Cornwall Ltd

Earth building placementAndy 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.

 

 

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Stone conservation placement with Gloucester Cathedral

Thomas ClewsThomas 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.

As from July 2010, Tom is now a full-time stonemason conservator with the Cathedral Workshop.

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Stonemasonry placement with York Minster

Stephen CouplandStephen Coupland wanted to expand his hands on experience in stonemasonry while continuing with his Advance Construction Diploma in stonemasonry at York College. Taking unpaid leave from his employer, Stephen undertook a 6 months placement at York Minster during which he collected evidence that helped him get his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills. He has since returned to his previous employer.

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Stonemasonry placement with The National Trust, Hardwick Hall

James StoneJames Stone wanted to get more experience of stonemasonry to compliment his Advanced Diploma at York College. He was able to continue with his course, 1 day a week and work with The National Trust’s masonry team at Hardwick Hall for the rest of the week, for 6 months, where he got sufficient evidence to gain his NVQ level 3 Heritage Skills. James continues to work in the built heritage sector as a self-employed stone mason.

> Read James' testimonial.

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Earth building placement with Cob in Cornwall Ltd

Richard O'ConnorRichard O’Connor wanted to develop his skills in sustainable building techniques and feels passionately about nature and the sustainable environment. The experience he is developing with Cob in Cornwall Ltd is assisting him to learn skills that will allow him to work on older and new build earth building projects.

Richard is now working in a self-employed capacity.

 

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Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme is a partnership between English Heritage, The National Trust, Cadw,
CITB-ConstructionSkills, National Heritage Training Group, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Last updated Friday July 29, 2011 © Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme 2007. All rights reserved.