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 […]
Episode 103 The Apprentice And The BeeAlone in the Chamber
Resting quietly inside a single nesting chamber, this solitary Red Mason Bee appears isolated — yet instinctively focused on preparing the next generation. Despite the confined space, the work continues. Carefully, patiently and with purpose, each chamber will be prepared using pollen and mud to give future life the best possible chance to develop. Watching […]
Episode 102 The Appprentice And The BeeBringing the Stair Together
As part of their Advanced Craft studies at Kelvin College, one of our 3rd Year Carpentry & Joinery Apprentices has now completed this section of his Complex Timber Stair Construction project. From the initial setting out of the laminated stringers, through to routing housings, forming joints and assembling the staircase, every stage has required patience, […]
