Edward - Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are the traditional way of learning the skills and crafts involved in the wood working trade. Usually Midland Woodworking Company would give 5 - 6 apprenticehsips out every year to young lads.

Edward describes how he got his apprenticeship at MidWood

An apprenticeship at MidWood would last up to 5 years. Those who started on the scheme were usually 15 years old, and had come straight from school - they would have a lot to learn.

Edward describes what it was like when he first started his apprenticeship in both these sound clips.

As well as learning the skills needed in woodworking from the factory itself, the apprentices had to do all sorts of training and also attend college.

Edward recalls his training

When an apprentice first started at MidWood, he would work alongside one of the older joiners. This allowed the apprentices to learn the skills from first hand experience, as Edwards describes:

Working with the older, experienced joiners

After a few years though, the apprentices were allowed to work by themselves:

Edward remembers working by himself

As an apprentice Edward also describes some of the skills that he learned and how they managed to buy their own tools:

Buying tools as an apprentice