Meet Emma: An Apprentice Stonemason of the Hamish Ogston Foundation Craft Training Programme

Emma Waitzman is an apprentice stonemason at York Minster, completing her training under the Hamish Ogston Foundation Craft Training Programme, which is a heritage skills training programme managed by the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship and supported by a pledge of £3.5million from the Foundation.

Emma is finishing her apprenticeship in September this year, and we recently caught up with her to learn more about her inspiration for becoming an apprentice, her experience of the Programme and her plans for the future.

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1. How did you become interested in stonemasonry and heritage conservation?

Historic buildings have been interesting to me for as long as I can remember. I grew up surrounded by historic buildings in Glasgow and on family holidays to France we used to always visit old churches, cathedrals, castles and monuments. I’ve always enjoyed learning about history and heritage through old buildings and appreciated that they are valuable things worth protecting.

The first time I’d considered pursuing a career in heritage conservation was after a stone carving course for beginners in Glasgow. After that, I was sure a career in stonemasonry was for me. It was just a case of finding a way.

2. What were you doing before taking on the apprenticeship?

Before the apprenticeship I’d recently completed a stonemasonry diploma, learning more about the technical skills I might need for a full apprenticeship in stonemasonry. I applied for the apprenticeship as soon as I was eligible as it seemed like a great opportunity to learn from experts whilst on the job.

3. What skills have you learnt so far?

It would be easier to ask what I haven’t learn so far! The apprenticeship has been a great opportunity to learn more about all the skills a stonemason needs to have in their toolkit. From carving to masonry, lead melting, laying and repairing flagstones and pointing, I’ve had a chance to practice many different skills on lots of different structures.

One of the best things about the course is that it is very hands-on. Our stonemason teachers also give us a lot of responsibility even though we’re apprentices, and I’ve had a chance to do a few projects on my own, which I’ve enjoyed a lot.

Before and after: Emma’s independent project to lay the flagstones for a statue at York Minster.

4. What’s the best thing about being an apprentice stonemason?

Definitely the conservation side. It’s very satisfying to contribute to the restoration of a statue, window, stonework or whatever it is and then to know that it is now preserved for a few hundred years more. It’s nice to know that your work is helping to protect these buildings so that lots of other people can experience and appreciate them as well.

5. Have you faced any challenges?

Carving can be difficult, especially when the object you’re trying to carve out isn’t geometric and has curved edges. Leaves are especially hard, but this comes with practice and I’ve become much more confident with the harder carving tasks as I’ve gone on through my apprenticeship.

6. What are your plans for the future?

I’m really excited to travel the world with my stonemasonry skills. My apprenticeship will complete in August this year and then I’ll graduate in September. After that, I’m heading down to New Zealand to work for a heritage conservation organisation in Christchurch.

7. Any advice for anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship in heritage conservation?

I cannot recommend the apprenticeship enough. I have really enjoyed the opportunity and learned a lot.

My advice to others would be to start with a short course or some work experience and see if heritage conservation is for you. After that, keep on the lookout for apprenticeship opportunities like the one with the CWF – these are great for learning on the job whilst earning a wage at the same time. Good luck!

To find out more, or to apply yourself, to the Hamish Ogston Foundation Craft Training Programme, please go to: https://cwfcathedrals.co.uk/courses/

To learn more about our Heritage initiatives, please visit: https://www.hamishogstonfoundation.org/heritage