Every September, one hundred and twenty new apprentices take up their benches at the Northfield training hall — in carpentry, electrics, plumbing, masonry and welding. Three years later they leave with the federation certification that member employers ask for by name.
Duration3 years
Trades5 crafts
Places120 / year
OutcomeCertification
How the three years unfold
- Year one: hand skills, bench discipline and the written training plan you sign on day one.
- Year two: the dresser project, site placements and the first public bench review.
- Year three: live commissions, certification assessments and the directory listing.
How to apply
Applications open every May. Anyone over sixteen with a school-leaving certificate may apply — interviews run through June, and places are offered by mid-July. Write to the association office through the contact page to begin.
