Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
●
Appoint an independent governing body to oversee the apprenticeship
scheme to ensure fulfilment of contractual obligations and not as a method
of ready supply of cheap labour.
●
Raise the academic and practical content of education for craftsmen with a
qualification akin to a university degree.
●
Introduce a list of peer-respected 'Masters' considered to be of exceptional
value to the Nation, and establish funding to enable them to pass on their
knowledge, skills and experience.
●
The construction industry should be re-positioned to ensure employment
of suitably qualified craftsmen and women and to raise the overall status of
the crafts.
●
Incentives offered to employers to re-establish direct employment for
apprentices, in order to provision on-the-job craft training.
●
Provide financial assistance for students who have the aptitude
and dedication to learn, so that they can study with a master
craftsman.
●
Encourage manufacturers of traditional materials to support these
initiatives by generous discounts on materials to alleviate the pressure on
limited budgets.
Future Prospects for Training in Cut and Rubbed and
Gauged Brickwork
For cut and rubbed and gauged brickwork to be successfully taught there are
several issues. Namely, that the person tasked with delivering it must have a
firm grasp of the subject, historically, technically and practically and is work-
ing out of a fully equipped workshop or training centre. It would be impor-
tant that the student, at any stage in their career, is assessed to ensure they
have dedication, academic and practical ability to succeed. Course design
would need to follow in a logical sequence of academic and practical tuition,
to develop the contextual knowledge and skills necessary to ensure full under-
standing and balanced development. This course would require approval by
the relevant examination and heritage bodies who cover, or who have an inter-
est in quality craft training, leading to assessment with carefully determined
high-level standards, resulting in qualification. It would be important to break
down the traditional skills of gauged work into their individual basic elements
at the introductory stage, such as squaring up for ashlar and straight moulded
work. This would encompass:
●
Identification and selection of the rubbing bricks
●
Identification, preparation, use and care of the necessary tools
