Traditional craftsman builds on his skills

A 23-year-old craftsman from Halton East near Skipton is putting his skills to the test by volunteering to restore the former Storiths Hatchery barn on the Bolton Abbey Estate.

Jonny Briggs, who works for Tim Hendry Joiners and Building Contractors, has just completed a three-year NVQ Level 3 Site Carpentry & Joinery course at Leeds College of Building and is now working on the restoration project in his spare time.

“I rent one of the properties on the estate so thought it would be a good idea to see if I could put some of the skills I have learnt at college into practice. I'm applying for the Prince of Wales Heritage Course next year and will be submitting the work I've done on the estate as part of my portfolio,” said Mr Briggs.

Bolton Abbey spokesperson Alasdair Jones-Perrott said Mr Briggs had already built and installed new window frames and stripped back a door and repaired the cast ironmongery using traditional techniques.

“His work is outstanding and it’s great to see a young apprentice using traditional work methods which will help retain the Storiths Hatchery for future generations and in turn safeguard the estate’s heritage,” said Mr Jones-Perrott.

Mr Briggs will submit his portfolio of work in February for the NVQ Level 3 Heritage Skills Building Crafts Apprenticeship. Only eight places are available on the course, which bridges the gap between basic qualifications and becoming a master craftsperson, and he will be competing against hundreds of other craftsmen.

If he is successful, Mr Briggs will spend eight months working on cultural heritage sites alongside top architects from all over the world to develop his skills. The qualification will soon be compulsory to work on heritage sites.