Three furniture makers recognised at City ceremony

From left to right: Seán Breen, furniture technology lecturer at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology; Matt Bond, CAD technician at Halstock; David Woodward, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company; and Joshua Hudson, furniture lead at Rycotewood Furniture Centre

Three furniture makers were recently praised for their contribution and achievements to the industry as part of the Master Certificate Scheme, held during a ceremony in the City of London last month.

The Master Certificate Scheme, run by City of London livery companies in partnership with City & Guilds, recognises excellence and promotes career progression from Apprentice to Journeyman and Master level.

Matt Bond, CAD technician at Halstock, was awarded the Apprentice Certificate. Meanwhile, Seán Breen, furniture technology lecturer at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, and Joshua Hudson, furniture lead at Rycotewood Furniture Centre, both received the Master Certificate.

To be awarded a Master Certificate, the two awardees had to evidence a relevant qualification at level 4, be a director, manager, supervisor, lecturer, sole proprietor or experienced craftsman, and have a minimum of 10 years appropriate employment in the furniture industry.

The ceremony took place at Mansion House, London on Monday 14 March and was attended by the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Vincent Keaveny. Representatives from 15 livery companies attended the ceremony, awarding 22 Master, 10 Journeyman and 16 Apprentice Certificates.

David Woodward, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “It was an honour for the Furniture Makers to join Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Vincent Keaveny, and present Master and Apprentice Certificates, recognising excellence in the field of furniture making, to three excellent furniture makers.”

Seán Breen said: “Achieving the recognition of Master Furniture Maker has been one of the true highlights of my time in the craft. The ceremony was an unforgettable experience and demonstrated the exceptional work of The Furniture Makers’ Company in recognising the importance of skills training and promotion of excellence alongside welfare in our industry.”

Matt Bond commented: “It was a privilege to receive my Apprentice Certificate, alongside my tutor who received a Master Certificate. I hope to return again to achieve my Journeyman and Master Certificate.”

Joshua Hudson finished: “After moving away from industry three years ago to lead Rycotewood Furniture Centre, it was an honour to be recognised for both services to industry and education. To be presented with the Master Certificate by The Lord Mayor of London alongside the Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company was a truly fantastic experience, and one I’ll cherish for many years to come.”

For further information on The Furniture Makers’ Company, see www.furnituremakers.org.uk.

COMPANY INFO
The Furniture Makers’ Company
12 Austin Friars
London
EC2N 2HE
020 7256 5558

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