Stonemason - Stephen Wooley

Stephen Wooley,
Age 22

Qualification
NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Stonemasonry
   
What do you do day-to-day?
The process begins with the order coming in, the stone is shorn in the yard and then a mould of the fireplace is made from the drawings prepared by my boss. I then have to work from the drawings to create the fireplace our client has ordered. We make bespoke pieces so every piece is handcrafted and different.

Why did you choose your trade?
I knew when I left school I wanted a job where I could use my hands. I also knew I didn't want to be in an office all day. Stonemasonry enabled me to fulfil both and be creative at the same time.

What advice would you give to prospective students?
It's best to have a fairly good idea of what stonemasonry involves before you begin the course, and I found the best way for me to learn my trade was to do a block release which involved spending a couple of weeks at college and then time with my employer. It gave me the opportunity to put all I had learnt to practice whilst offering the variety of being away from the workshop for a while. Problems will occur whilst you're making pieces so you do have to be able to think on your feet and problem-solve.