LOG IN17th January 2008
NVQ in Stone Masonry
Two local stone masons are the first in the Worcester area to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in stone masonry through Stourbridge College and the Train to Gain project.
EEB Memorials - left to right Elaine Bullock, Tony Bullock and Mat Baker
From 1st January 2008 memorial masonry companies must be registered with the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAM) in order to work in Worcester cemetery’s and Tony Bullock (65) and Mat Baker (32) of EB Memorials in Checketts Lane Worcester have successfully completed the NVQ in Stone Masonry and are now licensed to fit memorial headstones.
Elaine Bullock proprietor of EB Memorials said she was “delighted with Tony and Mat’s success, they both worked hard and have been very enthusiastic about their studies; the qualification has enhanced their knowledge of the trade and increased their awareness and self confidence.”
Tony Bullock is Elaine’s husband and has worked in the business for five years but the thought of studying for a qualification at 65 years of age was a bit daunting, Tony said “I left school at 15 with no qualifications and it was hard to get into the routine of studying and documenting the practical aspects of my work, but it was well worth the effort. I learnt some new practical skills as well as studying health and safety.”
Mat Baker said: “The course was brilliant and our assessor Alan Lawrence was brilliant. He has excellent knowledge of the trade and was able to put this across well along with developing mutual respect for each other.”
Elaine herself is undertaking NVQ Level 3 Business Administration with Stourbridge College and is due to complete in March this year, she added: “I was so impressed with the benefits from the Stone Mason NVQ; I just had to give it a go.”
For more information about NVQ’s and the Train to Gain project please contact James Grant 01384 344312.
