Chris Becksvoort once wrote that he used to be approached by young woodworkers, asking to be his apprentice. He told them how much he'd need to charge them. "Me, pay? I'd be doing all your grunt work." No, he said, you be slowing him down, and costing him money.
Training takes time and money, and Chris is obviously happy to do it with Kale. I hope they're just as happy too.
I also object to the term grunt work, in general. Any work that needs to be done is valuable and necessary.
I talked to my students about this and it caught them by surprise. The first six months of being in the trades, an apprentice actually costs the company money until they're trained and able to pull their own weight.
I'm a little late to the party but wanted to toss this out for thought.
One of problems with our woodworking industry is the lack of a good apprenticeship program like other trades. But one of the great things about not having a structured program is that people/businesses can develop an apprenticeship program that fits the apprentice, the business, and their core values.
I think the reason woodworking/furniturmaking doesn’t have a strong apprenticeship program here is because:
1. There is no license needed to be a woodworker, like there is with an electrician or a plumber. Anyone can sell furniture. This isn’t so in Germany, for example. You can be fined for selling furniture without training and certification.
2. There is no real union that trains, places and protects woodworkers (like there is in many professions and countries). Carpenters and millworkers people, yes. But so much with furniture makers.
I’ve taught and worked all over the Western world. And strong apprenticeship programs are backed by licenses and unions.
I’m not trying to piss anyone off. Just sharing my observations from working overseas.
Thanks for that.. and for always entertaining questions from the community at large. Selflessly sharing knowledge.. not to mention full PDFs of your books.. and plans.. is awesome in the truest sense of the word.
Chris Becksvoort once wrote that he used to be approached by young woodworkers, asking to be his apprentice. He told them how much he'd need to charge them. "Me, pay? I'd be doing all your grunt work." No, he said, you be slowing him down, and costing him money.
Training takes time and money, and Chris is obviously happy to do it with Kale. I hope they're just as happy too.
I also object to the term grunt work, in general. Any work that needs to be done is valuable and necessary.
I talked to my students about this and it caught them by surprise. The first six months of being in the trades, an apprentice actually costs the company money until they're trained and able to pull their own weight.
I'm a little late to the party but wanted to toss this out for thought.
One of problems with our woodworking industry is the lack of a good apprenticeship program like other trades. But one of the great things about not having a structured program is that people/businesses can develop an apprenticeship program that fits the apprentice, the business, and their core values.
I enjoy seeing your insights Chris on this.
I think the reason woodworking/furniturmaking doesn’t have a strong apprenticeship program here is because:
1. There is no license needed to be a woodworker, like there is with an electrician or a plumber. Anyone can sell furniture. This isn’t so in Germany, for example. You can be fined for selling furniture without training and certification.
2. There is no real union that trains, places and protects woodworkers (like there is in many professions and countries). Carpenters and millworkers people, yes. But so much with furniture makers.
I’ve taught and worked all over the Western world. And strong apprenticeship programs are backed by licenses and unions.
I’m not trying to piss anyone off. Just sharing my observations from working overseas.
* But NOT so much with furniture makers.
Do you use a marking knife to make the furrow? V tool? Chisel? Whatever that's sharp and at hand?
I used the travisher itself. Next time I saddle a chair I'll shoot a video....
Thanks for that.. and for always entertaining questions from the community at large. Selflessly sharing knowledge.. not to mention full PDFs of your books.. and plans.. is awesome in the truest sense of the word.
Yes please re video