On May 10th, the Building Crafts College was delighted to welcome carpenter, joiner, digital creator and passionate building craftsman Robin Clevett. Following demonstrations and workshops with our site carpentry apprentices, Robin gave an inspiring talk on his work and career path. Having started out as an apprentice himself, Robin now runs a successful woodworking business
Enrol now for part time courses in wood carving, bench joinery and furniture making – all delivered her in our workshops in Stratford, East London, E15 1AH. Saturday & Thursday evening classes run termly, with the opportunity to continue attending for a full year or more as you develop your skills. The Fine Furniture Design
David Dowdles, Principal, Building Crafts College, comments: “We are absolutely delighted that Jak Watson, Bench Joinery student at the Building Crafts College, has been awarded a Highly Commended certificate by the Institute of Carpenters. Selected from amongst many talented candidates, Jak received this award in recognition of the exceptional quality of workmanship exhibited in a
From Shanghai to Stratford…Building Crafts College Stonemasonry student Jordan Cliffe, an apprentice from Canterbury Cathedral, wins the 2021 “friendly” World Skills stonemasonry competition. World Skills is an international organisation promoting skills training and excellence in a wide range of trades and professions – from construction to catering. For those who reach the top of their
The Building Crafts College delivers a range of apprenticeships in partnership with employers and training organisations. We currently have space for brickwork and property maintenance apprenticeships, so if you would like to train in these areas, or are an employer looking to take on an apprentice please get in touch. Photo: Kate Longworth discussing
This is an ideal beginners class or a refresher course for learners who have been away from working in wood for a while, offering 10 full days of intensive tuition in our fully-equipped workshops, with all tools and materials provided. Dates: 23 April for 10 weeks plus a half term Location: Building Crafts College, Kennard
March 2020
We are delighted to be among 5 recipients of a donation by the inspirational Jay Blades, presenter of BBC 1’s The Repair Shop and Money for Nothing and the Director of Jay & Co.
August 2020
As part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs, an incentive payment of £2000 (more in some cases) will be made to all employers hiring an apprentice from 1 August 2020 to 31 January 2021.
July 2019
Two BCC students have been shortlisted for this year’s Wood Awards, the UK’s premier competition for excellence in architecture and product design in wood. Within the Student Designer category there are two cash prizes; £1,000 for Winner and £500 for People’s Choice. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will take place at 100% Design in September. The winners will be announced at the annual ceremony, held on 19th November.
July 2019
Earlier this month the Royal Opera House welcomed us to their annual apprenticeship prize-giving held in its Crush Room. This year, there were four graduating apprentices including the BCC’s Tom Forrest (Level 2 Bench Joinery) who is the ROH’s Scenic Carpentry apprentice.
July 2019
We are delighted to announce that we are now ready to start to build the Fenland Black Oak table using 5000 year old bog oak. This will be done with the students and staff at the College from July 22nd until August 16th, during this time there will be three Open Workshops open to the public.
July 2019
Twenty of the Building Craft College’s Fine Woodwork Diploma Year 2 students exhibited during the second week of New Designers, at Islington’s Business Design Centre, 3–6 July. During the show, five of our students received a record-breaking seven awards and shortlistings.
May 2019
The annual visit of consorts of Masters of City of London livery companies took place on Thursday 11th April. In all a party of 30 received a presentation on the work of the College from the Principal before taking a tour of workshops.
May 2019
This summer the Building Crafts College will be opening its doors to The Creative Dimension Trust with two letter carving workshops, one in stone and the other in wood. The Creative Dimension runs fully-funded workshops for 14-18 year olds who love working with their hands and enjoy experimenting with different materials and structures.
May 2019
The BCC is taking part in London Craft Week with a tour of the college and chair making at the OXO Tower.
April 2019
One of the BCC’s apprentices has won a Master Builder Award. Ross Handley of James Johnson Ltd was the London Winner of this year’s Apprentice Award.
November 2018
We are delighted to announce that two BCC students won Wood Awards at the annual ceremony held on 20th November. The Wood Awards is the UK’s premier competition for excellence in architecture and product design in the world’s only naturally sustainable material.
November 2018
In October, 11 of our lucky Stonemasonry students visited Florence, Italy for a week. They visited the Duomo Palazzo Vecchio, Pietre Dura St Croc and the Academia Gallery.
September 2018
The BCC’s Fine Woodwork Diploma Year 2 students exhibited at New Designers in July at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. During the show, three students were awarded prizes.
August 2018
Three BCC students have been shortlisted for this year’s Wood Awards. Established in 1971, the Wood Awards is the UK’s premier competition for excellence in architecture and product design in the world’s only naturally sustainable material. The Awards aim to encourage and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation using wood.
March 2018
During apprentice week, on 8th and 9th March, the Building Crafts College hosted careers visits by pupils from the East London Science School, Eleanor Smith School and St. Bonaventure’s School.
July 2017
The Building Crafts College’s Fine Woodwork Diploma Year 2 students exhibited at New Designers, 5–8 July at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. A total of 19 students exhibited approximately 50 pieces of furniture.
June 2017
We are delighted to announce that BCC Stonemasonry Apprentice Theo Brogan has come first in the UK Masonry Skills Challenge.
December 2016
On Thursday 24th November the annual BCC Prize-giving was held at Carpenters’ Hall. Graduates and prize winners were presented with certificates and trophies by the Guest of Honour David Goldstone CBE who is CEO of the London Legacy Development Corporation. In all 250 guests attended what was a very successful and enjoyable event.
October 2016
From Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th October thirteen stonemasonry and conservation students were led by Nigel Gilkison and Jim O’Brien on the annual study trip that encompasses Florence, Pisa and Cararra. The highlights of the trip were the Florence Duomo and its masons workshops, Pisa and the Cararra marble quarries.
December 2016
Steven White, an apprentice bench joiner from Borehamwood, had the idea of making a bespoke advent house out of recycled timber for the staff at Hannaford, a commercial fit-out specialist company based in Frogmore, London.
Mr White turned his hand to the project, often staying late to finish, ready for December.
He is currently working towards a Level 3 NVQ in bench joinery, at the Building Crafts College in Stratford.
August 2016
Two past BCC students have been shortlisted for this year’s Wood Awards: Excellence in Architecture & Product Design in the Student Designer category. Michael Stevenson his Geometry table and Juan Junca for his Milena easy chair.
August 2016
There is a wonderful opportunity to join Specialist Historic Building Conservation contractor Roles Broderick Roofing Ltd. for a 12 month placement, carrying out the fabrication and installation of hard metal roofing and cladding systems on a range of sites in Surrey and the surrounding area.
August 2016
There is a wonderful opportunity to join Specialist Historic Building Conservation contractor Norfolk Sheet Lead Ltd. for a 12 month placement, carrying out new and conservation lead work on a range of historic sites in Norfolk and the surrounding area.
August 2016
There is an excellent opportunity for a 12 month placement with a Historic Building Conservation company McCurdy & Co Ltd, which specialises in structural carpentry, based on historic projects in the South of England.