There’s a distinct air of celebration around the works yard after two of our apprentice stonemasons scooped the highest accolade in their recent assessments.
Debbie Branford and Alfie Rollett both received distinctions in their Standard 2 Stonemasonry qualifications, meaning they now progress from apprentices to qualified stonemasons.
Master Mason at Worcester Cathedral, Darren Steele, said: “This is great news, not only for Debbie and Alfie, but for the Cathedral and heritage sector as a whole. We are delighted to be one of only nine Cathedrals in the country that has its own dedicated team of stonemasons. We offer a sought-after training programme to bring the next generation of masons through and ensure the long-term conservation of our historic architecture.
“I am immensely proud that both Debbie and Alfie have received distinctions, the highest accolades.
“This is the first time, nationwide, that masonry colleges have delivered this new qualification, where previously levels 1, 2 and 3 NVQs were mainstay. So, it has been a difficult learning curve for all parties, including the Cathedral work-based teaching team too.
“Congratulations to both of our newly qualified stonemasons on achieving their apprenticeships to the highest of standards!”
Debbie, who studied at Bath College whilst working and training at the Cathedral, said: “It’s nice to be qualified with a distinction, which just shows the quality of training we’ve received both at college and at the Cathedral. I worked in finance previously, but always had a passion for history and crafts, so I’m happy that I made the right decision to pursue the apprenticeship.”
Meanwhile Alfie studied at York College. He added: “It’s great to finally be a qualified stonemason. The Cathedral and college were both amazing, especially going to York, I feel really lucky to have been sent up there to study. It’s probably an unusual career choice for a 21-year-old, but I was inspired by a friend’s dad, who was a thatcher, to go down the craft / trade route and it’s worked out perfectly for me.”
Worcester Cathedral’s stonemasonry team is committed to ensuring that the beautiful architecture is preserved and that the health of the building is secured for worshippers and visitors to enjoy now and in the future. With over 900 years of historical stonework to look after, the team is kept incredibly busy.
Traditionally-based apprenticeships include in-house training, working and learning with the team on-site and study time to gain stonemasonry qualifications. The Worcester Cathedral workshop has become a sought-after location for bursary placements and apprenticeship training. The Cathedral, in association with the Cathedral’s Workshop Fellowship also puts forward post-apprentice stonemasons for a Foundation degree in Applied Historic Building Conservation and Repair.
Darren added: “It is our hope that this ancient craft and the skills to conserve and preserve the Cathedral are passed on from one generation to the next.”