ted 111 metal (a)

Metalworking Careers Resource Pack

© Museums Sheffield 1

What’s out there for you?

Maybe you’ve thought about a career in metalworking in the City of Sheffield but you don’t know where to start in finding out more information.

Perhaps you fancy being a designer, a maker or an engineer?

Museums Sheffield has prepared this resource pack in conjunction with other organisations across the city to bring you some basic information:

Case studies of people already working in metal and how they got there: Meet the Metalworkers Section 1: P2–12

Contacts of organisations who can guide you through entry requirements to working in the industry: Skill Up Section 2: P13–14

Further Studies: Take Your Studies Further Section 3: P15–16

Where to see metalwork in the region: Be Inspired Section 4: P17–18



© Museums Sheffield

Section 1: Meet the MetalworkersHere we profile some of the people working in metal in Sheffield today. Find out how they got there, what inspires them, and their advice for getting into the industry.

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Stuart Mitchell, KnifemakerContact Details: [email protected] Address: Portland Works, Randall Street, Sheffield, S2 4SJ.

How did you first become interested in knifemaking? Family business, I have been in or around the Cutlery trade my whole life.

Once interested how did you find out more / who did you contact? It was easy, I worked alongside my father.

What qualifications and training have you undertaken / are you undertaking? None formal. I left school at the age of 15 years and started full time work, in the family business, the very next day.

Can you tell us where you studied and to what level: St Vincent’s Primary School then from there Notre Dame, I left Notre Dame pre taking any exams so have no formal qualifications of any type.

Once in the workplace, what further training have you undertaken? All day every day, developing what I make and the way I make it in order to compete in the world market place.

What skills/ attributes do you need for your job? Under my father I learned the cross section of Cutlery Trade skills, forging, grinding, finishing. This is quite unique within the trade as generally speaking each ‘worker’ specialised in a particular aspect of bringing the finished item to market. There would be a forger, then a grinder, etc. The fact that I take raw materials and steer the knife from start to finish by my own hands makes me a bit of an oddball within my trade.

What inspires you about your work? What is it that makes you get out of bed everyday? Wanting to excel, every day striving for better and better standard of finished work. Making the customers happy, I don’t class them as customers until I have worked for them twice!

Any advice to others interested in this area of work? Great pride of work can be achieved, but be prepared to work hard, get dirty and learn beforehand.

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Paul Weatherstone, CutlerContact Details: [email protected] / 0843 289 1964 Address: White Rose Works, 61 Eyre Lane, Sheffield, S1 3GF.

How did you first become interested in this subject/ area of work? My father and two brothers worked in cutlery manufacturing

Once interested how did you find out more / who did you contact? Mainly through family and friends

What qualifications and training have you undertaken / are you undertaking? Originally most of my training was on-the-job but I have now taken health and safety, first aid and am now responsible for the company’s apprentices and work experience students

Can you tell us where you studied and to what level? (CSE’s/ GCSE’s, NVQ, A Levels, Apprenticeship, Training programme, Degree) I studied for O-levels and had the equivalent of an apprenticeship (YTS)

Once in the workplace, what further training have you undertaken? Ongoing training over 20 years to become multiskilled so I can work in various departments

What skills/ attributes do you need for your job? Enthusiasm, a keen eye and attention to detail

What inspires you about your work? (What is it that makes you get out of bed everyday?) I’m proud & happy to be making high-quality products that carry the “Made in Sheffield” name which go all over the world

Any advice to others interested in this area of work? Although it is often now considered part of Sheffield’s heritage there is still lots to learn from the highly skilled and traditional craftsmen, not only do they have the skills to pass on that often years of experience and tricks of the trade

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Katey Felton, Designer SilversmithContact Details: [email protected] Address: Studio 20, Yorkshire ArtSpace Society, Persistence Works, 21 Brown Street, Sheffield, S1 2BS

How did you first become interested in silversmithing? After finishing my A levels I first Studied Art & Design full time at Lincoln Art College. It was here where my passion for working in three dimensional artwork which lead me to study a BA (Hons) Degree in Three Dimensional Design at Manchester Metropolitan University. I enjoyed working with a range of materials. In my final year I was successful to gain a Goldsmiths’ Bursary of £300 of silver to create my winning design. This is where I fell in love with Silver. I decided to set up my own business after completing my BA, but need to gain more knowledge I moved to Birmingham to study an MA in Silversmithing from the University of Central England. On completing my studies I moved to Sheffield and now work from my studio as designer silversmith at Persistence Works, the UK’s largest purpose built studio complex. Here I completed the two year Silversmithing Starter Studio Programme from 2002 – 2004 and now run my own successful silversmithing business.

Once interested how did you find out more / who did you contact? From lectures at University, research, Crafts Council, internet and speaking to ex students at universities.

What qualifications and training have you undertaken / are you undertaking? BA (Hons) Degree in Three Dimensional Design at Manchester Metropolitan University; MA Jewellery, Silversmithing and related products at Birmingham Institute Art & Design, PGCE Secondary Design and Technology

Can you tell us where you studied and to what level 9 GCSE – Art, Design, Technology, Maths, English, Science, ICT; A Levels – Art, Design, Design and Technology; BTEC National Diploma in art & Design Foundation Studies / BA (Hons) Degree in Three Dimensional Design at Manchester Metropolitan University / MA Jewellery, Silversmithing and related products, Birmingham Institute; Art & Design Starter Studio Programme – Yorkshire Art Space

Once in the workplace, what further training have you undertaken? Setting Up/ Starting Out – Goldsmiths Company; Women in Business – Innova, Sheffield; Laser Welding Course BIAD – UCE; PGCE Secondary Design and Technology

What skills/ attributes do you need for your job? Entrepreneurial skills; Sales; Book keeping/ Costing – Maths; Communication; Metalworking skills – practical; Putting together exhibitions/ presenting your work; Designing

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What inspires you about your work? What is it that makes you get out of bed everyday? The need to be creative and make things. My passion in working with metal and the need/ intrigue to understand different working properties of the material. The feeling of pride when I see a finished piece of work at an exhibition. Making a customer/ client happy by making them a special piece, some with special sentimental meaning to them or a special occasion in their life

Any advice to others interested in this area of work? Do something you enjoy. Dream big and follow your dream. Hard work. Persistence. Passion. Believe in yourself.

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James Purdy, Apprentice Electrical Maintenance TechnicianCompany: DavyMarkham Limited Contact Details: [email protected] Address: Prince of Wales Road, Darnall, Sheffield, S9 4EX.

How did you first become interested in engineering? Through past experience, my dad has a welding workshop and the workshop next door is owned by an electrician. I also completed BTEC level 2 Engineering at school.

Once interested how did you find out more / who did you contact? I spoke to the careers advisor at school, and researched engineering companies for apprenticeships where I would like to work.

What qualifications and training have you undertaken/ are you undertaking? I have completed NVQ 2 and I am currently taking NVQ 3 at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology BTEC Level 3 Engineering operations

Can you tell us where you studied and to what level? I studied for my GCSE’s at Birley Community College and my NVQ’s at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.

Once in the workplace, what further training have you undertaken? Manual Handling, Working at Heights, Environment Awareness and Fire Warden Training

What skills/ attributes do you need for your job? In my role good eye sight is essential, practical skills, team work and communication skills and mathematics.

What inspires you about your work? What is it that makes you get out of bed everyday? I enjoy doing something different everyday and learning new things

Any advice to others interested in this area of work?. I would advise them to work hard at school to get the grades required for the field they are interested in. I would also tell them to try various trades to see what they are really interested in before they make a choice. I tried plastering, painting, bricklaying, plumbing, fabrication etc before I made my choice.

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Ben Sarsby, Advanced Machining ApprenticeCompany: DavyMarkham Limited Contact Details: [email protected] Address: Prince of Wales Road, Darnall, Sheffield, S9 4EX

How did you first become interested in engineering? I became interested in engineering from lessons at school; I enjoyed working on the machines.

Once interested how did you find out more / who did you contact? I realised I wanted to complete an apprenticeship rather than go to University so I researched companies that offered apprenticeships and approached careers support. I also saw a presentation by DavyMarkham which made me want to apply. I was lucky to get one of the 5 apprenticeships because over 300 hundred students had applied.

What qualifications and training have you undertaken/ are you undertaking? I have completed NVQ 2 and I am currently taking NVQ 3 at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.

Can you tell us where you studied and to what level? Apprenticeship, Training programme, (Degree). I studied for my GCSE’s at Wickersley School and Sports College and my NVQ’s at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology

Once in the workplace, what further training have you undertaken? Manual Handling, Working at Heights, Environment Awareness and Abrasive Wheel

What skills/ attributes do you need for your job? Mathematics, patience and good concentration

What inspires you about your work? What is it that makes you get out of bed everyday? I like to get a job completed and see the end result.

Any advice to others interested in this area of work? I would advise anyone interested in the industry to research companies that you would like to work for and work hard at school to get the grades required.

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Dan Timmons, Advanced Machining ApprenticeCompany DavyMarkham Limited Contact Details: [email protected] Address: Prince of Wales Road, Darnall, Sheffield, S9 4EX

How did you first become interested in engineering? My dad works in the industry and I spent my work experience at his company – Nikken Kosakusho. I also studied BTEC Engineering at school.

Once interested how did you find out more / who did you contact? I spoke to the careers advisor at school, visited various apprentice websites including apprenticeships.org and I applied to a number of engineering companies for apprenticeships.

What qualifications and training have you undertaken/ are you undertaking? I have completed NVQ 2 and I am currently taking NVQ 3 at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology

Can you tell us where you studied and to what level? Apprenticeship, Training programme (Degree). I studied for my GCSE’s at Birley Community College and my NVQ’s at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology

Once in the workplace, what further training have you undertaken? Manual Handling, Working at Heights, Environment Awareness and Abrasive Wheel

What skills/ attributes do you need for your job? Practical skills are important because I have to be good with my hands. I have to be able to work as part of a team but I also have to be able to use my own initiative when working alone. Mathematics is important and good communication skills.

What inspires you about your work? What is it that makes you get out of bed everyday? I like to see things created from scratch and then see it being used in industry.

Any advice to others interested in this area of work? I would advise anyone interested in the industry to work hard at school to achieve the grades required. Apply to all the companies that you would like to work for.

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Jayne Abdy, Production Manager/DesignerCompany: A R Wentworth (Sheffield) Ltd, Pewter Manufacturers Contact Details: [email protected] Address: Monarch Works, Catley Road, Sheffield, S9 5JF

How did you first become interested in this subject/ area of work? I have been brought up in the factory as it is a family business, I worked part time since 16 and full time since 21, it’s in my blood.

Once interested how did you find out more / who did you contact? My dad

What qualifications and training have you undertaken/ are you undertaking? I am self taught, just from being on the factory floor.

Can you tell us where you studied and to what level? I obtained a degree in Metalwork and Jewellery from Sheffield Hallam University, however while this was beneficial I have learnt a great deal from just being in the factory.

Once in the workplace, what further training have you undertaken? A computer course for a new machine we are buying and a course on how to improve online sales.

What skills/ attributes do you need for your job? Diplomacy, patience, organisation, ability to multi task helps, management skills and the obvious – knowing how to make things and find new ways to make improve the designs, processes within the factory. I am always trying to improve efficiency. A sense of humour helps and a big smile even when I don’t feel like it.

What inspires you about your work? (What is it that makes you get out of bed everyday?) Satisfaction of seeing things go out the door to our customers – quickly and to a high standard. Motivated to try new ideas, make new things and seeing them develop, working with skilled craftsmen and constantly learning. Knowing that people are relying on me to get out of bed everyday to keep our business going and them in work. Knowing that we are growing as a business all the time and not standing still.

Any advice to others interested in this area of work? It’s hard work but enjoyable when you create something with your own hands – and seeing your own design ideas and creations come to life. Don’t do it if you want to stay clean.

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Ricky Allen, Hot Works ApprenticeCompany: Firth Rixson Metals Address: Milford Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 2LD

How did you first become interested in engineering? At first I applied at the company for an electrical engineer apprentice but with no vacancies going in that role they offered me a position to be a Hot Works apprentice. Through looking up the different types of forging technics they used I took an interest and have ended up liking the position.

Once interested how did you find out more / who did you contact? I used the internet to source most of the information, made a site visit.

What qualifications and training have you undertaken/ are you undertaking? I initially studied for an NVQ Level 2 at Brinsworth Training Centre for 12 weeks. After that I went to go on to go a BTEC level 3 in Mechanical Maintenance as the units in it as more suitable to my job. At the same time as doing the BTEC I started a NVQ Level 3 with Brinsworth Training Centre. At the present time now I am finishing off my NVQ Level 3 and going on to do my HND in Manufacturing.

Can you tell us where you studied and to what level? Brinsworth Training Academy and Rotherham Technology College.

Once in the workplace, what further training have you undertaken? Overhead Crane Licence; Banks man Training; Abrasive Wheel Course; Fork Truck Licence. I am also booked down to do my Industrial First Aid course and a Fire Warden course.

What skills/ attributes do you need for your job? Good working with other people. Reliability. Ability to work in very hot temperatures. Have to reasonably quick at maths. Be patient! Ability to work with heavy loads. Able to use CNC Machinery. Able to work shifts and be on call. Attendance and punctuality is the key to any job.

What inspires you about your work? (What is it that makes you get out of bed everyday?) Proving to other people the standards I can meet. Constantly improving my skills and improve the company for myself and others.

Any advice to others interested in this area of work? Do your research. Ask yourself these questions: Are you sure it’s the job you want? Is it with the company you want? Do you think in ten years time will you still be interested? What are your goals in life? If the job you’re looking at ticks all the boxes then your decision is made! Attendance and punctuality is the key to any job.

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Chris Boland, Jewellery & Designer MakerContact Details: [email protected] Address: Persistence Works, 21 Brown Street, Sheffield, S1 2BS Telephone Number: 07828630561

How did you first become interested in making jewellery? I’ve always been interested in drawing and making things but being a professional artist never seemed possible. I wanted to be a geologist but couldn’t get along with my science exams. It was only at my second attempt at collage that I found the metalwork was really my thing.

Once interested how did you find out more / who did you contact? My local collage where very helpful. I took evening classes in jewellery while studying for my diploma, just to get as much experience as possible. Then at university you’re immersed in a world of inspiration, tools and metal fillings.

What qualifications and training have you undertaken/ are you undertaking? National diploma in 3D Design Crafts. Ba (Hons) in Metalwork and Jewellery.

Can you tell us where you studied and to what level? A-levels in Physics, Chemistry, Design. National diploma, York College, BA (Hons) Sheffield Hallam.

Once in the workplace, what further training have you undertaken? None officially, just a lot of learning from mistakes and talking to peers.

What skills/ attributes do you need for your job? Patience, an eye for detail, persistence, delicacy, an understanding of materials, inquisitive nature.

What inspires you about your work? What is it that makes you get out of bed everyday? I love creating that desire that people have when they see something beautiful. I work with beautiful and rare materials, so there is a sense of duty in doing justice to the material.

Any advice to others interested in this area of work? There are a lot easier ways to make a living! It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle so learn to love the struggle. Basically, the same clichés apply as to anything worthwhile. Taking evening classes early on are a great way to start. Every jeweller has a different way of working, so the more people you have teaching you the better. Stay curious.

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Here we provide some links to organisations who can help you find out more about skills in an educational environment. We suggest that you browse their websites and contact them for more information:

B&E – Business and Education South Yorkshire

Wouldn’t it be great to b&e who you want to b&e? B&E take young people into the workplace and bring businesses and entrepreneurs into schools creating stepping stones between education and work and preparing young people for adult and working life.

Website: www.be-sy.co.uk Address: Templeborough Office, Sheffield Road, Rotherham, S60 1DX Contact Name: Beryl Henshaw Telephone: 01709 336 700 Email: [email protected]

Learning for Life

The Sheffield City Council 14 To 19 Partnership

The 14-19 team is part of the Lifelong Learning, Skills and Communities section of Children, Young People and Families. The team is made up of a range of staff who have extensive experience of schools, colleges, careers service and business partnerships who want to ensure that all young people in the city can achieve their potential whether through school, college or work based learning. The team has developed products and services which help and support young people achieve their aspirations.

Write to them: 14 to 19 team, 145 Crookesmoor Road Sheffield S6 3FP Telephone: 0114 2667503 Fax: 0114 2667092 Email: [email protected]

Check out the website: www.sheffield.gov.uk/education /information-for-learners/14to19

But be sure to explore their sister website for more about careers in metalwork and engineering: www.u-xplore.com/sheffield/#

The main programme is called the Vocational Skills Programme (VSP) and courses take place in specialist facilities taught by staff who have industry experience. These courses are planned in conjunction with schools and are usually studied off site for one day a week, alongside GCSEs in school. The VSP courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications that link to training, study and employment post 16.

Section 2: Skill Up

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The Industrial Trust In-company educational experiences for young people.

The Industrial Trust, a national organisation, aims to motivate, educate and inform young people, and those who influence them, to inspire them to acquire the qualifications, skills and personal attributes needed to enter careers to sustain the UK economy.

Website: www.industrialtrust.org.uk Address: The Industrial Trust Kelham house, Lancaster Street, Sheffield, S3 8AF Contact Name: Ann Jameson Telephone: 0114 273 9578

Engineering Development Trust – www.etrust.org.uk

Their range of work-related learning schemes provides opportunities for 11-21 year olds to enhance technical, personal and employability skills through industry-led projects, industrial placements and specialised courses. They help develop partnerships, build links between education and industry and help organisations reach talent and connect with young engineers and scientists across the UK.

Stemnet – www.stemnet.org.uk

STEMNET creates opportunities to inspire young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This enables young people to develop their creativity, problem-solving and employability skills, widens their choices and supports the UK’s future competitiveness.

Contact STEM locally via their base at Sheffield Hallam University: www.shu.ac.uk/cse

Young Chamber

A Young Chamber Council, set up in schools, utilises the Chamber of Commerce network to link directly with local businesses. Through these connections with the local business community, enterprise-based events are planned.

Address: Barnsley & Rotherham, Chamber of Commerce, Business Innovation Centre, Wilthorpe, Barnsley, S75 IJL Contact Name: Gary Dunne Telephone: 08442 253 235

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Section 3: Take Your Studies FurtherA brief guide of where to study all kinds of Metalwork locally and the wider region…

University of Sheffield Faculty of Engineering 0114 222 5999 [email protected] www.shef.ac.uk/faculty/engineering

Sheffield University Archaeology Department/ Metal Analysis www.shef.ac.uk/archaeology

Yorkshire ArtSpace Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths 0114 276 1769 [email protected] www.artspace.org.uk

Butcher Works / Academy of Makers Jewellery & metalwork courses 0114 252 5971 [email protected] www.academyofmakers.co.uk

University of Central England, Birmingham Department of Jewellery 0121 331 5940E: [email protected] www.bcu.ac.uk

Leeds College of Art and Design 0113 202 8000 [email protected] www.leeds-art.ac.uk

Sheffield Hallam University Faculty of Arts, Computing, Engineering and Sciences 0114 225 5555 [email protected] www.shu.ac.uk/faculties/aces

Sheffield Hallam University, Faculty of Arts, Computing, Engineering and Sciences Jewellery & Metalwork http://www.shu.ac.uk/prospectus /course/727/

Sheffield College for Silversmithing & Jewellery 0114 260 2600 [email protected] www.sheffcol.ac.uk

Chesterfield College Metalwork & Jewellery 01246 500500 [email protected] www.chesterfield.ac.uk

Rotherham College of Arts & Technology 08080 722777 [email protected] www.rotherham.ac.uk/courses

York College of Arts and Technology 01904 770400 [email protected] www.yorkcollege.ac.uk

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A few evening/part time classes:

Yorkshire Artspace: 0114 276 1769 [email protected] artspace.org.uk

Victoria Kershaw- Silversmith: [email protected]

Bank Street Arts: 0114 346 3034 [email protected] www.bankstreetarts.com

Annette Petch- Jeweller: www.annettepetchjewellery.co.uk /courses

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Section 4: Be InspiredWhere to see metalwork A few suggestions to get you started…

Millennium Gallery, Metalwork Gallery Museums Sheffield: Millennium Gallery, Arundel Gate, Sheffield, S1 2PP www.museums-sheffield.org.uk 0114 278 2600 Exhibitions and Events programme; great café and changing programmes of activity; annual selling exhibition ‘Christmas Crackers’ and well stocked retails shop all year round.

Cutlers Hall Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HG 0114 276 8149 www.cutlers-hall-sheffield.co.uk

Group tours of the historic collection can be booked via: [email protected]

Kelham Island Museum Alma Street, Sheffield S3 8RY 0114 272 2106 www.simt.co.uk

Industrial and manufacturing process and tools used in Manufacturing.

Sheffield Hallam University Sheffield Institute of Arts, Gallery Furnival Building, 153 Arundel Street, Sheffield S1 2NU 0114 225 5555 [email protected]

Yorkshire Artspace Persistence Works & Manor Oaks Studios 21 Brown Street, Sheffield, S1 2BS 0114 276 1769 www.artspace.org.uk

Home to artists’ studios, exhibitions and workshops. Look out for the popular open days.

David Mellor Designs, Hathersage Country Shop, Design Museum, Café Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm when it is often possible to see cutlery being made. The Round Building Hathersage, Sheffield, S32 1BA 01433 650220 davidmellordesign.co.uk

Bank Street Arts 32-40 Bank Street Sheffield, S1 2DS T: 0114 346 3034 E: [email protected] open Tuesday to Saturday 10am–5pm

Look out for exhibitions, open days, craft fairs and access to jewellery benches

Sheffield Assay Office Guardians Hall, Beulah Road, Sheffield, S6 2AN www.assayoffice.co.uk

Look out for tours and talks related to the work of the office, their collection, library and archive during March & April, part of Galvanize Festival.

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Sheffield Cathedral Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HA T: 0114 275 3434. www.sheffield-cathedral.co.uk

Historic and contemporary collections to view.

Butcher Works Academy of Makers Butcher Works, 72 Arundel Street Sheffield, S1 2NS 0114 252 5971 [email protected] www.academyofmakers.co.uk

Sheffield Town Hall Foyer Pinstone Street, Sheffield, S1 2HH 0114 273 4253

Since the establishment of the Mayoralty in 1845, Sheffield has received many gifts. Much of this is in the form of Silverware for the table or as presentation pieces given by individuals and organisations in the City and from further afield. Much of this silver is on public display in the reception suite of the Town Hall.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park Bretton Hall, Bretton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4LG 01924 832 631 www.ysp.co.uk

Outdoor sculpture exhibitions, retail shop.

Harley Gallery Welbeck, Worksop, S80 3LW 01909 501 700 www.harleygallery.co.uk

Exhibitions, talks, workshops and retail shop.

Nostell Priory Doncaster Road, Nostell, Near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE 01924 863892 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main /w-nostellpriory

Chatsworth Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP 01246 565300 www.chatsworth.org

Look out for ‘Beyond Limits’ annual sculpture exhibition in the gardens as well as the historic and contemporary collections indoors.

Open Up Sheffield www.openupsheffield.co.uk

Annual programme where artists open up their studios for you to browse their work and talk. Across South Yorkshire and parts of Derbyshire.

Galvanize Sheffield www.galvanizefestival.com [email protected]

Festival of Contemporary Metal Festival celebrating contemporary metal and innovations in metal. Look out for exhibitions, commissions, talks, factory tours and more.

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