Case Studies


Jim Davidson - Adult Modern Apprentice Joiner Furniture Assembly
(Havelock Europa Plc)

Photo features Jim Davidson and Kelsey Whyte
  1. Tried when I left school (1977) to join the Construction trade without success
  2. Always wanted to have a craft or trade skill
  3. Started on Youth Training Scheme (YTS) at BUKO’s in Glenrothes
  4. 1978 joined Babygro as ‘Eastman’ knife cutter, stayed for 15 years
  5. Had various jobs and was recently made redundant from Wind Turbine Industry
  6. 2003/4 undertook ‘Training For Work’ at Lauder College – Carpentry & Joinery for the Construction Industry
  7. At 44 and I am living my dream
  8. Havelock Europa offered ‘Work Experience’ practical placement
  9. Offered Full-Time Employment
  10. Offered to continue apprenticeship
  11. Discussed Modern Apprenticeship Framework options with Lauder College MA Advisor
  12. Decided to follow Furniture Framework rather than Construction after consideration
  13. Currently am working on the design and manufacture of a chair as my final project for my NVQ level 2/3
  14. I’ve really enjoyed my college course which has given me the skills, knowledge and confidence to develop myself in this industry
  15. Looking forward to completing my NVQ and currently making good progress with my level 3
  16. I enjoy working for Havelock and the opportunity I have had to develop myself

 

Kelsey Whyte - Modern Apprentice Joiner Furniture Assembly (Havelock Europa Plc)

  1. Enjoyed Craft Work at School
  2. Heard about Havelock and applied for an Apprenticeship
  3. 1st Interview with School grades and Clock
  4. 2nd Interview with Parents + tour + test
  5. Started on probationary period Aug 05
  6. Started NVQ in Furniture Manufacture in September 05
  7. Inducted and registered with Lauder College, City & Guilds for level 2 + 3 and Modern Apprenticeship in Furniture Manufacture
  8. Attended Lauder College from Sept 05 on Day release (every Wed) developing skills and knowledge for my NVQ level 2 portfolio
  9. I enjoy my NVQ and college course and feel I am improving my knowledge and skills
  10. I really enjoyed when I was asked to be involved in a special project (MRI Model Scanner)
  11. Havelock Europa was approached by NHS Fife – Victoria Hospital to make a MRI model scanner for young children
  12. I was given a photograph of what was to be made by the Production Director (Alan Thomson)
  13. I was asked to think about how to make this model and report back
  14. I had to consider the following aspects: Scale, Materials, Weight, Portability and Colour
  15. Looking forward to completing my NVQ level 2 and progressing with my level 3
  16. I enjoy working for Havelock and this industry
  17. I do recognise that I am working in a male dominated environment but I enjoy the challenge
  18. After my apprenticeship I think I would like to be involved in design or planning

James Morrison - Apprenticeship in Making and Installing at Furniture Rycotewood Furniture Centre (Oxford and Cherwell Valley College)

I am 21 and live in Hook in Hampshire.  After completing my AVCE in Art and Design I decided to follow a career in woodworking, rather than go to university to study Product Design, which was my other main area of interest.  I approached Benchmark woodworking, a specialist woodworking company producing work for clients such as Foster and Partners, the Eden project and Conran and Partners.  I started off by doing one weeks work experience followed by a three month trial period which I successfully completed.

I have now been with the company for 8 months.  At the same time as working and earning I am studying an apprenticeship in Making and Installing Furniture.  I attend college one day a week in order to learn the underpinning knowledge and practical skills relating to my role in the workplace.  The course will last for two years at which point I will then decide if I would like to continue being an apprentice at an advanced level.  I am enjoying my job and the college course.  Ultimately, in years to come I would like to have my own woodworking company.

Kate May – Successfully completed an Advanced Level Furniture Production course 

Kate May, from Clitheroe, completed an Advanced Level Furniture Production course at the College. Her tutors nominated her for the award after the dedicated student achieved 100% attendance and created some outstanding designs including innovative furniture for pets. Kate received her medal at a presentation event held at Haydock Park racecourse.

Kate began studying at Burnley College in September 2003 after a number of years in the hotel management industry. The City and Guilds Medals for Excellence are awarded to “learners whose dedication and talent enables them to produce work of an exceptional standard.”  Kate has now started her own business ‘Pink Whiskers’ which is based in Clitheroe after she received commissions from friends and family during her course. The business specialises in making bespoke furniture such as beds and chairs for pets.

Kate herself is looking forward to seeing her business grow “I had always planned to start my own business after completing my course at College and I’ve already received several commissions. Winning the Medal for Excellence has been brilliant as people know they will get an extremely high standard of work if they order some furniture. All my tutors at College were a great help and I can’t wait to carry on developing my skills in the future.”

Kate’s tutors were delighted that she won the award, “Kate’s been a brilliant student right from the start. She has always gone above and beyond what is expected of her. She has produced some excellent designs and has real flair for furniture production. I wish her all the best for the future because she has all the skills needed to make her own business a real success.”  Anyone interested in Kate’s products can visit her showroom based at Swan Courtyard in Clitheroe. Alternatively you can see some of her designs at www.pinkwhiskers.co.uk

Robert Geary – Apprentice Upholstery Cutter (Webs Training Ltd)
                  
As an apprentice upholstery cutter you will be employed in an industry, which offers training in a variety of different skills and methods which are required to help the production of domestic or commercial furniture.  You will be following a comprehensive training programme enabling you to cut a variety of different styles and textured fabrics, which are used in the trade.

The training I have received has been varied and covers the use of tools and equipment, to enable you to plan out and cut the fabric to the desired style and effect.  This will enable you to cut plain cloth to chequered cover and also single layered fabric to multiple layers.  Apprentices should be prepared to work to company standards and demonstrate a degree of attention to detail.  The industry requires you to be interested in producing work of quality as companies are working to very high standards.  Training programmes have been specially produced to enable you to monitor your own personal development and produce evidence required for you to progress towards achieving a National Vocational Qualification.

I gained qualifications in English, Math’s and Science at school and I now work for a company called Wade Upholstery.  The main influence for choosing Upholstery Cutting as a career was because my dad and older brother are both Upholsterers I was interested in the upholstery side of furniture making.  I then became more interested in the cutting side of the production.

I have undertaken a full training programme in company and on day release at WEBS.  I was supervised by upholstery qualified training staff ensuring that I achieved my apprenticeship at level 2.  I then went on to complete my advanced apprenticeship for hand crafted furniture.  The benefits of training have helped me to become experienced and confident on all levels of cutting for the upholstery trade.  I am now confident enough to take the responsibility of taking on some supervisory and quality control roles when absences occur in these areas.

David Smith

David first enrolled on a part time City and Guilds Cabinet Making course at Burnley College for four hours each week. He quickly decided that he wanted to change his career and began to shut down his Engineering business which he had run for eighteen years. After completing his part-time course, David enrolled on the full-time HND in Furniture and Cabinet making at Burnley College. He set up his own furniture design course during the second year of his course and is now building a successful business for the second time in his career.


 

Photo features David Smith

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Steven Morley - Wood Machining (Webs Training Ltd)

As an apprentice wood machinist I followed a comprehensive training programme which offered training in a variety of areas in the wood machining industry.  I am employed by Orchard Kitchens Ltd and decided to take an apprenticeship because I liked working with wood and wanted to become a Cabinet Maker.  I firstly had the opportunity to learn wood machining and I am now using these skills as part of my further training in Cabinet Making. 

Wood machining is a highly skilled job and involves setting up and operating a wide range of woodworking machines which will include cross cut saws, panel saws, band saws, surface planers, spindles, routers and sanders etc.  Some companies also have NC and CNC machinery available.  I am responsible for the basic maintenance of all the machines, which includes changing and sharpening cutters, saws and blades.  I am also being trained to set the machines to fine tolerances.  Vernier gauges and other precision measuring equipment can be used when checking finished sizes.  I have recently gained my Level 2 Wood Machining NVQ and I am now working towards my NVQ Level 2 in Making and Installing Furniture. 

 

HPIM0342Leigh Peach - Cabinet Making (Webs Training Ltd)

 

As an apprentice furniture assembler I am following a comprehensive training programme which offers training in a variety of skills in the manufacture of assembled furniture, such as  tables, chairs, cabinets, wardrobes and kitchens.  The training covers the use of relevant tools and equipment from hand and power tools to a range of machinery and equipment.  It will also involve planning, organising and preparing components and finally assembling the furniture ready for the finishing process.

I attended the Fernwood Comprehensive School where I gained qualifications in Maths, English, Engineering and Science.  I now work for Davenport and I am working towards a full Apprenticeship Level 2 in Assembled furniture which is an NVQ in Furniture Production plus Key Skills level 1 in Application of Number, Communication, Information Technology, Technical Certificate and Rights & Responsibilities.  The main influence for wanting to become a cabinet maker was to make a finished product out of wood. 

2007_01110015Daniel Newton - Kitchen Installation (Webs Training Ltd)

 

As an apprentice Installer assembler I am following a comprehensive training programme which offers training in a variety of skills in the design, manufacture, assembly and installation of kitchens.  The training I am completing covers the use of relevant tools and equipment from hand and power tools to a range of machinery and equipment.  I am also involved in planning, organising and preparing site for installation and finally assembling and installation of the units including worktops, trimmings and appliances.  To become a kitchen installer you need to be interested in producing work of quality as companies are working to very high standards.

 

Diplomas – The Diplomas are new industry led qualifications that will provide young people between the ages of 14-19 with the chance to gain a real understanding of what practical skills are required by industry.  The Diplomas will be an ideal blend of work related learning and academic learning that will enable students to make informed choices about the type of learning that best suits them and about what kind of work, training or further study at college or university they may want to do. The Diploma in Manufacturing will be available from 2009, at three levels, and will include subject areas which have not been accessible in schools before.  The industry led Diplomas are valued by employers and higher education institutions, as their combination of essential skills, relevant experience and applied learning provides an excellent grounding for careers.
For more details please visit - www.manufacturingdiploma.co.uk/partners/proskills

 

For further information please see www.proskills.co.uk, email info@proskills.co.uk or call 01235 432 032.