Three bed apprentices complete Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme

Dr Tony Smart MBE, Thomas Firth, Ewan Stevenson and The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley

Two apprentices from the bed industry recently celebrated the completion of the Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme at a ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of London.

Thomas Firth and Chelsea-Marie Parker of Silentnight Brands and Ewan Stevenson of Burgess Beds have successfully completed the three-year apprenticeship in Furniture Manufacturing, passing with distinctions.

Thomas and Ewan joined 19 other apprentices from sectors including the upholstery, clock making, bee-keeping and aviation industries at a presentation at Plaisterers’ Hall in London on Monday 2 October 2017. Chelsea was unable to attend the presentation.

The Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme was established by The Livery Companies Skills Council in December 2012.

The initiative was launched to provide livery companies with qualifications that would enable them to set world class standards and provide support for businesses to take on apprentices.

The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley, who presented the certificates at the ceremony, said: “I am always so pleased to see the City of London’s ancient and modern Livery Companies thriving and supporting their traditional crafts as well as new trades and professions.

“Throughout today’s celebration you will learn the stories of young people from across the country whose development of practical skills are allowing them to thrive in today’s modern world. As an educator I know the importance of supporting young people as they grow and develop their careers and passions, and I’m thrilled to see the Livery Companies playing a new generation of skilled workers.”

Dr Tony Smart MBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, attended the presentation to support and congratulate the apprentices.

He said: “I would like to applaud Tom, Chelsea and Ewan for completing the Livery Companies Apprenticeship Scheme. They are credits to both our industry and their companies and testament to the success of the scheme.”