Category: The Apprentice & The Bee

Episode 36
The Appprentice And The Bee
Nightshift On Halloween

This Halloween, our Apprentices, now over 18, are eligible to work nightshifts when required.  To recharge, they must find a suitable environment for daytime rest – just like the Common Pipistrelle bats featured in this video.  These bats have found their ideal rest spot in a Blue Tit nest box.  Both our Apprentices and Pipistrelles […]

Episode 35
The Appprentice And The Bee
Metamorphosis of Apprentices

Just like our bees, the growth and transformation of our Apprentices isn’t always immediately visible. It takes time, guidance and the right opportunities for them to develop into skilled professionals. Take Louise, our Helpdesk/Maintenance Supervisor, as a perfect example. Over 14 years ago, she started her journey at Fourply as a school leaver, pursuing an […]

Episode 34
The Appprentice And The Bee
Metamorphosis of Bees

Our Bees undergo complete metamorphosis during their life-cycle.   Meaning that there are four very different developmental stages, namely: egg, larva, pupa, adult.  In this video clip, we can see that our bees have each spun a protective cocoon and therein completed pupation to form into adult bees.  Although we are unable to see the form […]

Episode 33
The Appprentice And The Bee
2nd Year Apprentices – Pitched Roof Construction

This month, our 2nd Year Carpentry & Joinery Apprentices are honing their skills in Pitched Roof Construction during their college studies.  In this photo, you can see them beginning to construct a gable-ended pitched roof, complete with an overhanging verge.  The aim of this unit is to equip our Apprentices with the knowledge and skills […]

Episode 32
The Appprentice And The Bee
Full Hotel

This year has been a huge success for our Bee Hotel, with every flute filled to capacity despite the challenging wet conditions.  Thanks to careful planning, thoughtful design, shared expertise, and dedicated management, our hotel has exceeded all expectations.  Much like our Apprentices, the Bees have shown determination and perseverance to meet their goals. Now, […]

Episode 31
The Appprentice And The Bee
Pitched Roof Construction

This month, whilst at college our 2nd Year Carpentry & Joinery Apprentices are studying Pitched Roof Construction.   By creating initial drawings, our apprentices learn to appreciate scale and setting-out skills prior to applying their practical skills within the workshop.   This module marks the start of their 2nd Year at college and demonstrates their development from […]

Episode 30
The Appprentice And The Bee
Natural Progression

Just like our Apprentices, we like to check-in on the natural progression of our Bees as they move onto the next stage of their development.  In this photo from our Bee Hotel, we see Red Mason bees at different stages of their journey:    ▪ In the bottom flute, male larvae have nearly consumed their […]

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 […]