As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we caught up with our apprentice George Place, who is studying for his Level 2 NVQ in Stonemasonry, to ask him about his experience so far with the company. Cliveden Conservation is dedicated to helping train the next generation of conservation practitioners and filling the skills gap within the heritage sector.
How did you get the apprenticeship role at Cliveden Conservation?
I made a number of work enquiries to different masonry firms based in the West Country after deciding to try to get into the trade during the summer. Nothing came through straight away, but I was eventually contacted by the Cliveden Conservation Houghton Workshop Manager who offered me work at Baconsthorpe Castle in Norfolk. After a couple of months working there, I contacted the Building Crafts College to ask how I could find an apprenticeship. The person at the college knew Lewis, our Managing Director, and the next thing I knew I was offered an apprenticeship.
What have you learnt and experienced so far?
I have worked on two main sites so far, the first was St. John’s Notting Hill where I was working ragstone replacements, and the second Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. Besides masonry there is a lot of practical problem solving to be done, and I have seen the work of conservators as well.
What do you hope to achieve working with Cliveden Conservation?
Primarily I want to gain my qualification and learn the essential skills and knowledge required of a stonemason. At some point I would like to improve my drawing ability and learn about the work’s managerial and organisational side.
What would you say to other school leavers about learning a heritage trade and becoming an apprentice?
Expect opportunities you would not have expected.
What do you hope to do in the long-term careerwise?
It is too early to say, but I can see myself turning towards the development of traditional housing.
Do you have a particular building/project you aspire to work on?
This was not so much an aspiration when I started, but I certainly ticked the cool project box in working at Christ Church Cathedral. Walking through the college grounds every day and having lunch in the Great Hall with its famous portraits was special.