Seven furniture makers commended at Master Certificate Scheme ceremony

Seven furniture makers were commended for their contribution and achievements to the industry at a special ceremony in the City of London last month as part of the Master Certificate Scheme.

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

In order to qualify for a certificate at any of the three levels, the applicant must provide evidence of having achieved an appropriate level of responsibility and technical knowledge in their sector and given support to those pursuing a career in the industry.

The ceremony, attended by the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor, Alderman Charles Bowman, took place at Glaziers’ Hall, London on Monday 26 February.  A total of 38 representatives from The Worshipful Companies of Wax Chandlers, Masons, Plumbers, Joiners and Ceilers, Plaisterers, Upholders, Glaziers, Horners, Paviors, Clockmakers, Coachmakers, Furniture Makers, Lightmongers and Constructors were in attendance.

The seven furniture makers awarded an Apprentice, Journeyman or Master certificate by The Furniture Makers’ Company were:

• Christopher Hyde, director of creative arts at Rycotewood Furniture Centre (Master)
• Andrew Jackson, managing director at Burgess Beds (Master)
• Marcus Jahrling, manager at Ardmore Construction (Master)
• James Ryan, designer at Edward Barnsley Workshop (Master)
• Wendy Shorter, founder of Wendy Shorter Interiors (Master)
• Jodi Schofield, sales director at Burgess Beds (Journeyman)
• Ewan Stevenson, general manager at Burgess Beds (Apprentice)

Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company Dr Tony Smart MBE said: “I was delighted to be present to witness the presentation of these very well-deserved certificates to those in our industry. They have not only excelled in their own profession but have helped and supported so many young people that have joined our industry. This scheme provides us with a way to recognise these achievements and to encourage others to follow.”