Meet Teddy: A Hamish Ogston Heritage Crafts Apprentice with the National Trust
Teddy Swain, Level 2 Stonemason Apprentice, at work [National Trust]
Teddy was keen to earn while he learned a trade, so an apprenticeship was the perfect solution for him. He has ended up training to become a stonemason as part of the Hamish Ogston Foundation Heritage Crafts Apprenticeship Programme.
The National Trust took the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his experience:
Why did you first choose to apply for an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship as they are much better in my opinion as you get paid while you learn, and you can also get a lot of experience from on the job as I have with my apprenticeship at Hardwick Hall. They also help younger people with communication skills and tips for when they are working on their own.
Best thing about the apprenticeship?
The best thing about an apprenticeship is the work experience when you are young, as it will come in handy when you are older and as it shows to other employers that you are hands on.
Any challenges?
Getting your stone to be perfect, as it takes a lot of time and practice for it to be perfect all the way across.
Have you done anything that you didn’t expect whilst on your apprenticeship?
Yes, a lot of travelling in the first couple of months as I didn’t expect to go and start to repair bridges and a marble hall.
What are your plans for the future?
To carry on the role of a stone mason at Hardwick Hall as it is a good work environment and then possibly have my own business when I have been in the trade for a good amount of time.
Any advice for anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
If one pops up that interests you, go for it as it will be worth it, even if you are unsuccessful at first it gives you practise in applying and being interviewed.
To find out more, or to apply yourself, to the Hamish Ogston Foundation Heritage Crafts Apprenticeship Programme, please go to: http://bit.ly/41llMC8
To learn more about our Heritage initiatives, please visit: http://bit.ly/3klcNAo