Published : Thu 6th Feb
Henry is enjoying his apprenticeship role where he can build and be creative in places that have such rich history, whilst learning a specialist skill that uses traditional methods that have been passed down over time:
Why did you choose to apply for a joinery apprenticeship, why the National Trust?
After leaving school, I went to college to study Tv and Film. However, I always found myself yearning for the weekend, where I could go to my shed and make things! After college, I decided that I wanted to work in carpentry and joinery as it is very creative. I started looking for jobs and I came across the National Trust Apprentice scheme and wanted to know what it could offer for me. I instantly fell in love with the idea of getting to work on buildings that may be hundreds of years old and working for a company that has had such deep roots in my upbringing.
What are the best things about the apprenticeship?
My favourite thing about the apprenticeship is being able to work in places that have such rich history behind them. I often find different methods of manufacture that carpenters have used over the years and love to learn old ways of doing things. I love how we use traditional methods of joinery, using hand tools and proper woodworking joints to make things properly.
What challenges have you faced?
When I started, the whole job was alien to me. I couldn’t understand technical drawings and was not able to use my hand tools to their full capabilities. After cutting my hands and fingers time after time, I eventually developed the correct skills needed to progress into my role efficiently, learning how to incorporate different joints and use my hand tools properly.
Have you done anything that you didn’t expect whilst on your apprenticeship?
One of the things that I was not expecting was reuniting with the world of Tv and film. After finishing college, I thought that I would leave it there. However, to my pleasant surprise, I was asked to be filmed and interviewed for the National Trust’s TV show “Hidden Treasures of The National Trust”. This was extremely exciting for me and I am very thankful for that great opportunity to show the world what amazing work we do in the specialists crafts team!
How have the training provider/college supported you?
The college have been very good with sharing knowledge, by giving us regular knowledge quizzes and reinforcing the areas of knowledge where needed the most. They have been very supportive with any problems that I have had.
What are your aspirations for the future and how will your apprenticeship help you?
I hope to stay within woodwork as I progress my career, this apprenticeship has taught me that there is so much to learn, and I feel that despite job title, I will always be an apprentice, constantly learning new ways to do things and gathering as much knowledge in my field as I can. One aspiration I have is to use my skills and make a small sailing yacht which I can travel the world in when I hang up my apron. However, For now, I would love to continue working For the National trust, exploring the different ways in which our country was once built.
What advice would you give for anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
My main advice for someone looking into an apprenticeship would be to persevere in the face of difficulty. Every master of their craft was once a beginner, and it is up to you to do the best you can. It is a great opportunity and is so fun to learn new skills in such a beautiful craft.
