Episode 113 The Apprentice And The BeeHanging True
This four-part series looks at the final practical Skills Test — the point where four years of Apprenticeship learning is put to the test. For this assessment, our Apprentice was required to install a door frame within a steel jig before fitting and hanging the door itself. It sounds straightforward. In reality, every measurement matters. […]
Episode 112 The Apprentice And The BeeLearning Never Stops
At Fourply, we believe learning doesn’t end when an Apprenticeship is completed. It continues throughout our careers. As part of our ongoing third-party accreditation with the FIRAS Certification Scheme, eight of our field staff recently took part in a technical installation assessment for ‘Penetration Sealing’ conducted in our yard by FIRAS. The visit involved observing […]
Episode 111 The Apprentice And The BeeThe Geometry Behind the Craft
At first glance, this could easily be mistaken for a piece of modern artwork. A collection of angles, lines and geometric shapes that wouldn’t look out of place on an album cover. In reality, it forms part of our apprentice’s Advanced Craft Carpentry & Joinery studies, exploring the geometry of Complex Roofs, hidden behind many […]
Episode 110 The Apprentice And The BeeGathering the Ingredients
Before a nest can be built, resources must first be gathered. This Red Mason Bee is collecting pollen and nectar from a flowering rosemary plant — the essential ingredients needed to support the next generation. Success rarely begins with the finished product. Whether in nature or industry, development starts with learning, preparation and building knowledge […]
Episode 109 The Apprentice And The BeeBringing the Drawing to Life
A drawing on paper is only the beginning. Following the technical planning and roof layout exercises completed during his Advanced Craft studies, our apprentice has now helped transform those principles into a full-scale roof structure within the college workshop. Steep pitches, structural intersections, setting out and accuracy all combine to create a roof that is […]
Episode 108 The Apprentice And The BeeFinding Opportunity
Whilst working on site, one of our apprentices spotted this Red Mason Bee making use of an unexpected nesting location. No purpose-built Bee Hotel. No carefully prepared habitat. Just an opportunity that happened to be available. Nature has a remarkable ability to adapt. Much like Apprentices beginning their careers, progress often starts by recognising opportunities […]
Episode 107 The Apprentice And The BeeEvery Line Has a Purpose
Before a timber roof is built, it first has to be understood. As part of their 3rd Year Advanced Craft course in Carpentry & Joinery, one of our apprentices recently completed this technical roof layout drawing, identifying rafter positions, ceiling joists, double rafters and a flitch beam. At first glance it may appear to be […]
Episode 106 The Apprentice And The BeeA Willing Hand
As our Apprentice carefully opens the hatchery drawer, something unexpected happens. Rather than retreating, this Red Mason Bee confidently steps onto their thumb. It is a brief moment, but a powerful reminder that development often begins through interaction, trust and engagement. Apprenticeships are much the same. When experienced people are willing to open doors and […]
Episode 105 The Apprentice And The BeeLooking Beyond the Numbers
Last week we were delighted to welcome John Grady MP, back to Fourply to meet our developing Apprentices and Bees here in Tobago Street. Following recent discussion around Alan Milburn’s report on young people and work, John was keen to understand how apprentices are actually recruited, trained and supported by employers on the ground. Like […]
Episode 104 The Apprentice And The BeePrecision Built into Every Step
This completed staircase marks the final outcome of a significant part of our apprentice’s Advanced Craft course in Carpentry & Joinery studies during his 3rd Year Apprenticeship at Kelvin College. What began as lines marked onto a timber stringer has now developed into a fully assembled staircase, demonstrating the precision and technical understanding required within […]
