The wisdom of apprentices

Georgia joined us two years ago after a hard-fought campaign to get a job at Matthew Cox. If we didn’t know just how determined she was from her dogged pursuit of a tour and interview, we knew when she came to the workshop for her trial day. Georgia worked in antique furniture restoration pre-pandemic, before briefly considering a career in conservation. Reflecting on what would offer her a truly dream job, she landed on furniture making. She heard about us through a friend, and it was very clear from the start that Georgia’s attention to detail, curiosity, and her unforgiving work ethic (!) would lead to quick progress within our team. Always thinking, asking questions of others and herself, Georgia will never stand still. Georgia has won prizes, made fans of teammates and college tutors and will always push out of her comfort zone to challenge herself. Everyone can learn from her commitment, curiosity, and refusal to settle for the status quo.

Callum was 15 when we interviewed him around our kitchen table. His parents had seen an article about us in the local paper and asked if they could visit to discuss Callum’s interest in woodwork. Although we were looking for a senior maker at the time, we decided that we had to make room for Callum, too. Although (in those days) he barely spoke, it was clear from his portfolio that he had the potential and the drive to be a key part of our team. Within weeks, he was enrolled at the Rycotewood Furniture Centre and was persuading his way onto tricky projects in the workshop. His pursuit of knowledge in and out of work supercharged his abilities and reminded us what it is to pursue mastery in any area, at any age.