Category: The Apprentice & The Bee

Episode 29
The Appprentice And The Bee
Seasons Change but Succession Planning Continues

As Summer draws to a close, Autumn signals the beginning of a new season of learning for our Apprentices.  Seasonal changes are a natural time for reflection – and a great opportunity to assess our progress, in a positive light.   Just like our Bees, secure in their hotels and progressing through their development, our Apprentices […]

Episode 28
The Appprentice And The Bee
The Most Skilful Builders

In this video clip, we watch a Red Mason bee deliver wet mud in her mandibles, then proceed to work it into a protective end-cap to finish-off her run of nest cells.  Why are our bees similar to our skilful Construction trades?  Nature has given us a huge variety of solitary bee species, such as […]

Episode 27:
The Appprentice And The Bee
Welcoming Our Latest Apprentice ‘Corin’ to Fourply!

After a summer of interviews and recruitment, we are thrilled to welcome Corin to the Fourply team!  Based in our office, Corin has already embarked on her tailored development plan, designed to equip her with the skills, knowledge, and experience required to excel in the Construction industry.  Over the next two years, she will be […]

Episode 26:
The Appprentice And The Bee
All in the Day’s Work of the Solitary Bee

In this video clip, we capture a rare glimpse of a female Red Mason bee delivering pollen to her final chamber, brushing off her cargo to ensure her offspring have an adequate food supply to survive the winter months.  Just like our Apprentices, this bee must use logical thinking and precise calculations whilst working.  Considerations […]

Episode 25:
The Appprentice And The Bee
BM TRADA Q-Mark: Fire Door Installation and Fire Door Maintenance Scheme

As part of our commitment to succession planning, we are equipping our Apprentices with targeted training that aligns with the high level of business standards expected by our Clients.  Our certification under the BM Trada Q-Mark Fire Door Installation and Fire Door Maintenance exemplifies this approach.  It allows us to engage with our apprentices in […]

Episode 24:
The Appprentice And The Bee
Situational Awareness and Output!

Are solitary bees efficient pollinators? Absolutely!   For example, commercial apple growers benefit from the free pollination services of the Red Mason bee.  This species can be 120 times more efficient at pollinating apple blossoms than honeybees.  In our Apprentices’ development, understanding efficiency and output is critical.  This incredible film clip shows a Red Mason bee […]

Episode 23:
The Appprentice And The Bee
3rd Year Apprentices – Completion of Complex Timber Stair Construction

Behold a stunning example of a quarter turn winder stair, complete with tapered treads and a beautifully crafted balustrade.   Throughout this fully assessed unit, our Apprentices have honed their skills in recognising applying current legislation and health and safety regulations essential for constructing complex stairs.  Just as our solitary bees depend on a reliable source […]

Episode 22:
The Appprentice And The Bee
Nest Building Techniques

Here’s an intriguing look into the nest-building techniques of our Red Mason bees (Osmia bicornis).  As solitary bees, they take on both the roles of queen and worker.  At the top, a bee is busy sealing her latest cell with a wet mud wall. Using the horns on her face, she skilfully shapes the mud.  […]

Episode 21:
The Appprentice And The Bee
3rd Year Apprentices – Complex Timber Stair Construction
Stringer and Newel Post Development

Our 3rd Year Carpentry & Joinery Apprentices are starting to assemble their previously manufactured components for their unit of Complex Timber Stair Construction.  In this photo, the structure of their staircase is starting to come together by jointing their stringers to newel posts and handrails.  In this unit, it is stressed to our apprentices how […]

Episode 20:
The Appprentice And The Bee
Initial Confusion but Hard Work & Persistence is Key!

Our Bee Hotels are buzzing with activity!  The top three and very bottom flutes of this hotel are being filled with deliveries of pollen and mud by our diligent Red Mason bees.  Although they may seem confused, they only deposit their goods once they recognise their previously claimed flute.   In the very top flute, one […]