Episode 26: The Appprentice And The BeeAll 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 BeeBM 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 BeeSituational 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 Bee3rd 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 BeeNest 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 […]
Episode 19: The Appprentice And The Bee 3rd Year Apprentices Mastering Risers and Tapered Treads in Complex Timber Stair Construction
Our 3rd Year Carpentry & Joinery Apprentices are forging ahead in their challenging unit on Complex Timber Stair Construction. On their workbenches, our apprentices are now focused on their next stage of manufacturing risers and tapered treads. A closer study of this photo reveals the traditional craftsmanship involved, with components fixed using timber wedges and […]
Episode 18: The Appprentice And The Bee Nesting Project in Full Swing!
Just like any successful project, proper planning is crucial before setting out. Our video clip captures a female Red Mason bee (Osmia bicornis) pausing for a temperature check before taking off on her pollen collection trip. Solitary bees, like those shown here, are more sensitive to weather than honeybees and bumblebees, often appearing only when […]
Episode 17
The Apprentice And The Bee3rd Year Apprentices – Complex Timber Stair Construction – Stringers:
This month, as part of their Advanced Craft studies, two of our 3rd Year Carpentry & Joinery Apprentices are focusing on Complex Timber Stair Construction. In this module, each apprentice demonstrates their technical skills by setting-out every stair component on a rod, before manufacturing. The precision and craftsmanship applied to machining the timber stringers, shown […]
