27 March 2023
The Master Certificate Scheme, Presentation of Certificates
On 27th March, Past Master David Poole and three WCC Apprentices took part in the annual Master Certificate Awards Ceremony at Mansion House.
The Master Certificate Scheme is designed to encourage career progression in areas of skills identified with City of London Livery Companies. Through this initiative, they are acting in partnership with City & Guilds of London Institute to encourage the pursuit of excellence in vocational education and training. To qualify for a certificate at any of the three levels, the candidate must provide evidence of having achieved an appropriate level of responsibility and having technical knowledge within the sector in which they work.
The event has grown in popularity since its inception in 2001. The Clockmakers’ Company has been a regular attender since 2014 joining an established group of companies. This year, fifteen companies were represented with some forty certificates presented.
The Clockmakers’ Apprenticeship is of three years duration, with progress monitored annually through examinations arranged by the British Horological Institute. After one year, it is anticipated apprentices enter the Diploma in Clock and Watch Servicing, a Level 3 qualification. If successful, an Apprentice Certificate is awarded. Two further years lead to the Diploma in the Servicing and Repair of Clocks / Watches, Level 4 in the National Framework, and the award of a Journeyman Certificate. Currently the British Horological Institute recognises the Level 4 qualification within its membership structure with successful entrants being eligible to upgrade to MBHI (Member of the British Horological Institute.)
For 2023, there were three apprentice certificates awards for the Clockmakers’ Company, Ali Lewis, Robert Talbot and Lewis Walduck. Each certificate includes a citation describing the success gained for the qualification, either a Pass or a Pass with Merit, together with prizes gained for units within the qualification.
The Company is currently mentoring ten apprentices, eight clockmakers and two watchmakers – helping to ensure the craft of clockmaking continues into the future.
David Poole
Past Master
