Training

 

13.1 Apprentice Training

 

13.1.1 Initially, The Guild will actively work with Gildencraft Stonemasonry C.I.C or any future trading arm of the Guild to train 40 stonemasons and 40 mates by 2028.

 

13.1.2 The training will be of such breadth and excellence as to make all trainees fit for work in any field within the craft and enable them to compete confidently with their peers for careers opportunities.

 

13.1.3 A sense of responsibility towards themselves, their craft and society at large will be taught to Apprentices.

 

13.1.4 Apprentices and mates must learn to talk for themselves, unless with prior written permission, and then only for those with a learning or other difficulty, Neither The Master nor Clerk will talk to third parties (including Apprentices' parents) regarding Apprentices or Mates.

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13.1.5 In the same vein, communications between trainees and guild members should remain private between the parties involved.

 

13.1.6 The Guild will actively support Gildencraft Stonemasonry C.I.C or any future trading arm of the Guild in all future training initiatives that meet the the Guild's training criteria.

 

13.1.7 Apprentices will always be taken on a trail at face value with no inquiry regarding academic qualification of previous work or criminal record. Those wanting a place as an Apprentice must carry out a trial period with no pay at the discretion of The Master; if found suitable a formal interview must be held with The Guild Clerk and an informal talk with two of the Court Officers. The Master and Clerk both have the power of veto.

 

13.1.8 Female apprentices will be allowed the time necessary to care for a new family; education should continue and help with child care be given if possible.

 

13.1.9 The Guild will supply the means through the Head Master of The Guild and The Guild system to train to the highest standard, Apprentices over a minimum of seven years to include at least 4 years with the Head Master and at least 3 years on their journey.

 

13.1.10 The Head Master can give more time to an Apprentice if needed at his/her own discretion.

 

13.1.11 The length of training given to the Apprentice may never be shortened and the journey must never be lost.

 

13.1.12 Apprentices will be trained in a classical manner with a foundation of the trivium: rhetoric, logic and grammar.

 

13.1.13 Euclidean Geometry, Heraldry, Vitruvian Theory, Ancient Greek philosophy, poetry and fencing must remain pillars of the training given.

 

13.1.14 Apprentices and all members will be encouraged and helped towards academic achievement.

 

13.1.15 Apprentices and Mates will learn independence of mind, self-esteem, self-motivation, self-confidence and a sense of service.

 

13.1.16 Apprentices will be taken into The Guild at The Special Corpus Christi Court with a fine being payable by the Apprentices to The Guild of: a pint of beer, a loaf of bread and 33p.

 

13.1.17 The successful Apprentice will be made a Yeoman member on receiving their indenture and will be made a Freeman of the Guild upon finishing their Apprenticeship.

 

13.1.18 The Apprentices will work to the Guild Curriculum produced by the Guild Head Master and the Board of Masters while working for Gildencraft C.I.C. or any future Guild trading arm, on a five year contract.

 

13.1.19 Apprentices and Mates will be expected to work at least a 37.5 hour week.

 

13.1.20 Apprentices and Mates will be ready to start work at 8am wherever they are working.

 

13.1.21 Apprentices and Mates are expected to work away from home.

 

13.1.22 In the UK, work will take them away Monday to Friday, Monday morning will start at a time which allows an 8am start on-site.

 

13.2.23 Accommodation will be paid for on contracts more than 2hr travel time away from the Lodge/s and lasting for more than 2 days.

 

13.1.24  Travel for work >60 miles will be paid for.

 

13.1.25 Where possible, Apprentices and Mates will only work away for two weeks then spend one week working from The Lodge/s.

 

13.1.26 When working abroad, Apprentices and Mates will work two weeks (14 days) on, one week off.

 

13.1.27 The Apprentice will take life drawing classes.

 

13.1.28 All Apprentices will be expected to learn conversational German, French and Italian.

 

13.1.29 The history of the craft and guilds must be taught to all Apprentices and Mates.

 

13.1.30 The Apprentices will attend college and complete a City & Guilds qualification as part of the overall training.

 

13.1.31 Tool-box talks will be given to all craft workers at least once a week.

 

13.1.32 The Guild will carry out yearly assessments on all Apprentices and Mates which may lead to an interview with the Head Master.

 

13.1.33 Apprentices can be released at any time at the discretion of the Head Master due to lack of hard work or ability.

 

13.1.34 An Apprentice dropping out or being removed from the apprenticeship will lose their Yeoman status and all Guild privileges.

 

13.2.1 The Journey should as much as possible consist of the Apprentice traveling Internationally to learn further aspects of the craft of stonemasonry.

 

13.2.2 The Guild will use its connections and friends to help the Journeymen on their journey.

 

13.2.3 The Journeymen will wear Guild hat and apron on their journey, the paper hat being changed for a more durable material hat.