The Apprentice Technician programme is an opportunity to gain skills, get free studio access, get inspired and build your network.
APPRENTICESHIPS
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Our ceramics apprentices work across all aspects of the ceramics studio learning how to recycle clay, load and unload kilns, make glazes and keep the studio clean. The core aspects of the role are:
- Managing the drying process of workshop session pots
- Recycling clay
- Preparing glazes and slips
- Managing stock
- Keeping the pottery rooms clean, tidy and organised
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The Studio Manager apprenticship works across all aspects of the studio, managing studio changeovers of the spaces between courses in painting, printmaking and ceramics. Core aspects of the role are
- Cleaning,
- Setting up spaces
- Hanging the gallery
- Liaising with tutors and ordering stock.
- Supporting the ceramics apprentices
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A combined apprentice works across the studios, kitchen and garden/landscape. Assisting in all areas in a varied role according to interests and abilities.
An apprenticeship typically runs for 6 months, with the last three weeks of the programme focusing on training the next apprentice.
“You learn at such a rapid rate and really get a feel for what it’s actually like to run your own studio, you also learn so much from everyone else coming in and out - the tutors, the other apprentices, the members - all of it is so helpful - I’m loving it!”
TIME COMMITMENT
The commitment is one regular day per week 10am-4pm, for six months.
THE BENEFITS
- You will be part of an apprentice technician team with support form Coombe Farm Studios staff.
- You will receive training on all the elements of your role and learn how to manage the spaces and the specific work involved
- Free Hub membership (worth £130 pcm) so you can make and develop your own work.
- 1 x free non resident 3 day course place on a course of your choice at Coombe (subject to availability) worth £507.00
CLEANING
There is a lot of basic cleaning involved in the apprenticeships. Cleaning is an essential part of studio management, particularly for potters but across all the studios. Ensuring that the spaces are well cared for, organised, stocked and clean is an essential part of the role - crucially it enables everyone coming in and out of Coombe to focus on their creativity.
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Apprentice don’t receive a salary but do receive training, management and membership as outlined above. We appreciate that the lack of salary is a barrier to becoming an apprentice for anyone that understandably cannot afford the time. We are therefore applying for funding to provide financial assistance for those in that situation. When successful we will post that information here.
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Skills covered include recycling clay, loading and unloading kilns, setting up studios for painting including setting up easels and other painting equipment and making glazes.
The combined apprenticeship covers a wider range including some catering skills.
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All apprentices need to have an interest in the arts - ceramics apprentices need to have experience of working with clay at an intermediate level. Apprentices can be any age and come from any background, a willingness to learn and cover all aspects of the apprenticeship is essential.
“There are loads of learning curves on the road to becoming a potter, and mastering clay, like any craft, takes practice and patience. Many processes, which don’t form part of classes, take time, dedication and commitment. From managing the drying of clay to loading kilns, recycling clay, preparing glazes and managing stock. These are time consuming processes that form the essential foundation of becoming a potter. The apprentice programme is designed to support makers to gain these skills”
APPLY NOW
Please complete the form below to apply as an apprentice and we will get back to you within 7 working days.