Callum Bainbridge - Apprentice Stonemason
"I started my apprenticeship in September 2022 and since then I have been lucky enough to work at and visit a number of National Trust properties including Calke Abbey, Fountains Abbey, Clumber park, Tattershall castle and Kedleston hall.”
What have you learnt so far in your apprenticeship?
“I have been given a great opportunity to learn a range of different skills relating to conservation and heritage. For example, stonemasons at the National Trust do the traditional method of using a mallet and chisel to mason and carve the stone. I have learnt how to take measurements from a stone in a building before doing a drawing and creating templets. I have also learnt how to point using lime mortars as well as the properties of lime and how to behaves in different environments and conditions.”
What do you feel are the benefits of apprenticeships like yours?
“They give young people an opportunity to learn skills that will always be needed as these buildings require constant repair and maintenance work. The apprenticeship route makes learning these skills more accessible to people because they get to earn a wage while learning and they will have people who are willing to mentor them.”
