Show Notes
Robin Clevett looks into what's currently happening with regards to Skills England's plans to reduce apprenticeships to just 8 months in duration. Robin shares his initial reaction and talks to Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation. The BWF have formed a coalition with other trade bodies to fight against planned reforms and talks in detail about the journey they've been on with this and why it would be such a bad decision.
More from The Carpentry Show
Robin Clevett is joined by Quantity Surveyor Tim Philips and time-served carpenter Jason Joyce to explore how the trade has evolved, whether carpenters now need a broader understanding of the entire building, and how unfamiliar materials and systems can complicate even straightforward jobs.
Robin Clevett looks into retirement and is joined by fellow tradespeople Danny Madden, Jack Auletta and Gary Banks to discuss their plans for the future, from financial preparation and business succession, to finding a better work-life balance and exploring new ventures beyond the trade.
Robin answers your questions on the tools he couldn’t work without, whether apprentices rely too heavily on power tools, and why traditional hand skills still matter in modern carpentry.
Robin Clevett looks at the dangers of working in hazardous environments and asks whether tradespeople are sometimes being put in situations where safety is being compromised.
Robin Clevett looks at the growing demand for fitted interiors and asks whether carpenters could use their existing skills to move into a new and potentially lucrative area of the industry.