Apprenticeship Discussion
On the recent Television series "Apprentice" Alan Sugar described the winner
as being like 'an empty template, ready to be moulded'. Old fashioned talk about an old fashioned term, but how relevant are apprentices to the contemorary bespoke furniture sector, what is the demand and what are the potential opportunities ?
Here two members of the forum share their ideas (others are welcome to add their views) :
George Morgan
I would like to open a debate on how other designer/makers see the future of training in this country! Things like the demise of practical arts in our schools which suggests woodworking, metalwork, textiles etc has almost vanished. Every other week I receive a letter from a school leaver wanting an opportunity in the furniture trade. Every other week we have to say 'no! sorry its not possible'. There is huge demand for practical training at a young level. I just wondered how you feel about the old apprenticeship scheme and the training in this country at the moment, as if like you say: 'Education is the key to changing attitudes. I was appalled at the level of ignorance about our crafts culture and Design in general, not to mention the demise of the practical arts in our schools'.
Jez Broun
How can I keep this short George ! I would be happy to add my voice on the subject of handing down these valuable skills to what some people are calling "the abandoned generation".
On a positive note, from time to time postings are made on the forum for job/training opportunities by some members who are employers.
George Morgan
How can the designer maker do his part for education and help keep elite skills alive ? We run to apprentices on very limited funding from CITB. Is there any other funding out there to support the designer makers and keep a steady flow of apprentices coming through? I have very limited knowledge in this area, but I would like to play my part in education as well as producing furniture
Jez Broun
I am heartened by your concern. Personally I feel we, not just practitioners of this craft but as adult citizens, have a responsibility/obligation to help ensure these skills are handed down in any way we can. They do that in ancient tribes and lighting fire is one of those skills! We have a flame to keep alight!
I am currently running a half day pilot guitar making course for "disaffected" youngsters at my local Tech college (kids kicked out of school and some in trouble with the Police). It was the only funding I could get to to establish a guitar making course in my locality. Curiously after 12 odd years of an educational system I believe has failed them, most are engaging and learning key skills through manipulating materials. Oh what a surprise !
Regarding Further Education some will recall the initiative at Rycotewood college (now Oxford and Cherwell College) by Chris Simpson in the 70/80's to bring in practitioners for a few hours each week (as was common Art college policy) and I believe this gave an excellent educational balance not least of all the reality of meeting deadlines which only commercial experience can thoroughly impact.
It is curious to me that the magazines appear to have catered predominantly for leisure orientated (self-interested) semi-retired woodworkers, and whereas many a pedantic woodworker (in the past) has written to the Letters page stating what the correct pitch of a dovetail in hardwood should be, the only pitch most youngsters in school today would understand is one that Wayne Rooney plays on ! The generation targetted by magazines will die off one day so where is the continuity ? Perhaps I am wrong ? Magazines could inititate an educational supplement in the same way local communities are beginning to initiate organic food production to bring back an old culture. Demand can be created as well as met. These are just a few ideas to hopefully spark some debate !
At least Alan Sugar has brought back the old fashioned term 'Apprentice'
to popular culture !
To be continued