Newly qualified carpenter looking for advice

[bmartin1uk]

Hi All

Having recently just discovered that one of the BCUK members is Robin Wood, Chairman of the Heritage Crafts Association, I was hoping that like Robin there maybe be a few other craftsmen and women, carpenters, conservationists, and generally those in the know, who might have a some suggestions for me.

I have at the age of 32, just finished my Level 2 Carpentry. Having finally sobered up from the celebrations of 2 years sacrificing my precious evenings, i'm looking for other courses that can further my skills and generally a point in the right direction. At University i studied Archaeology, and it was always the built environment or 'standing archaeology' that interested me most. I had always dreamt of getting into building restoration and conservation in a hands on way.

Having done a fair bit of research there seems to be lots of wonderful case studies of people working in this industry, but i'm finding it hard to find any real opportunities or further guidance in how i can use carpentry in this field.

I know its a long shot, but i just thought since everyone is always so helpful on, someone might have some suggestions.

Cheers folks

Ben

 

[Biker]

Got any catherdrals near you or English Heritage buildings? If so get down there and see if they're hiring on the restoration side of things. I lived near Canterbury Cathedral and my brother worked in the stainded glass window resotration shop and it was fascinating, but at the time I had a steady job as a carpenter working on building sites but always fancied trying my hand at something like that, sadly they weren't hiring at the time. Last I heard once you're in the door you're not just hired to work on their building but on various other projects such as parish churches or other English heritage buildings.

Congrats on passing your exams! Glad to read someone's eager to try more traditional styles of woodwork other than throwing a studded partition up and covering it in gyproc.

There are several carpenter/joiners here at BCUK. I'm one of them, well sorta part time now actually, I balance sawing wood into smaller pieces along with being an artist.

All the best mate, good luck and congrats again.

Aaron aka "Biker"

 

[bmartin1uk]

Got any catherdrals near you or English Heritage buildings? If so get down there and see if they're hiring on the restoration side of things. I lived near Canterbury Cathedral and my brother worked in the stainded glass window resotration shop and it was fascinating, but at the time I had a steady job as a carpenter working on building sites but always fancied trying my hand at something like that, sadly they weren't hiring at the time. Last I heard once you're in the door you're not just hired to work on their building but on various other projects such as parish churches or other English heritage buildings.

Congrats on passing your exams! Glad to read someone's eager to try more traditional styles of woodwork other than throwing a studded partition up and covering it in gyproc.

There are several carpenter/joiners here at BCUK. I'm one of them, well sorta part time now actually, I balance sawing wood into smaller pieces along with being an artist.

All the best mate, good luck and congrats again.

Aaron aka "Biker"

Thanks for the congrats Aaron and the advice. I feel the same about site carpentry, its not to say i wont do it, and i probably will, but it would be great to get more out of it other than a wage. I reckon i'll have to see what sort of projects are going on in my area and see if i can blag my way on!