Posts In: Training

Sam Schoonderwoerd is proud of his achievement

March 17, 2020 News

Sam Schoonderwoerd is proud of his achievement as he completes the final stage of his apprenticeship course at Smith of Derby! Sam started his apprenticeship at Smith of Derby back in 2016 and has now completed his 4-year course in February 2020.  He has achieved Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture (Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering) along with City and Guilds Level 3 diploma and BTEC level 3 subsidiary diploma in the same subjects. Sam will continue training and developing with coaching from our experienced team of clockmakers and hands-on experience. 7 months into starting his apprenticeship in September 2016, “I like…

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National Apprenticeship Week

March 5, 2020 News

National Apprenticeship week 3rd Feb – 9th Feb February 3rd-9th was National Apprentice Week – celebrating all those involved within apprenticeships across England. Here at Smith of Derby we are extremely proud of all our apprentices and are delighted to celebrate the success of the program which is run in partnership with Learning Unlimited. The annual celebration, which is now in its thirteenth year, brings the whole apprenticeship community together to promote and explore the positive impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the economy across the UK. Over the last five years we have employed Seven apprentices in both clock…

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Training Week at Smith of Derby 2020

February 26, 2020 News

Every January a week is put aside for training at Smith of Derby and 2020 has been no different. Last month our clockmakers travelled to our Derby works from their various locations across the UK, to take part in a week of training.  The week started with the clockmakers arriving at our Alfreton Road works and unloading their vans so that equipment, such as harnesses and other safety apparatus, could be tested by external adjudicators. At the start of the week all the Clockmakers were given a presentation from MD Bob Betts on what the week would entail and the…

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IRATA Training

March 18, 2019 News

IRATA training is essential for our clockmakers, it allows the team to work safely at height whilst continuing to ensure a high standard of work when completing projects in situ. To be able to use the rope access equipment, the team must attend an annual IRATA training course. Clockmaker Mike Tomlinson recently completed this course with a specialist Yorkshire company. Mike attended the week-long course at a specialist facility in Sheffield, operated by Access Techniques, to renew his level one certificate. The dedicated facility has a 14m high ceiling to ensure those completing the course face realistic situations which will…

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Training Week at Smith of Derby

January 14, 2019 News

Every January a week is put aside for training at Smith of Derby and 2019 has been no different. Last week all of our clockmakers travelled to our Derby works, from their various locations across the UK, to take part in a week of training. The week started with the clockmakers arriving at our Alfreton Road works and unloading their vans so equipment, such as harnesses and other safety apparatus, could be tested by external adjudicators. Following this, all of the clockmakers were given a presentation from Bob Betts on how the week would progress and the importance of this…

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November News at Smith of Derby

November 29, 2018 News

As the nights draw in and the run up to Christmas gets into full swing, the team have been working hard on various things here at Smith of Derby to ensure everything is ready for a successful 2019! The start of November was a particularly busy period as the team worked on many projects across the UK ahead of remembrance Sunday services. Of course this year was a special year as it was the 100th anniversary of World War One, meaning there was even more projects than normal taking place. Several of the team attended the annual Celestial Ball which…

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Harrison Clock, Derby Silk Mill Museum

August 14, 2018 Uncategorized

In late 2017 Smith of Derby were tasked to remove the Harrison mechanical clock from the Derby Silk Mill Museum and complete a full restoration. Following this the clock dial and mechanism will be reinstated at the silk mill museum in 2020 when the buildings renovation is completed. The team tasked with the works are our apprentices, Tom and Sam, who are overseeing the project from start to finish. To help them with the project, clock advisor Chris McKay has been on site giving them both advise on various parts of the works, which will also help develop their knowledge…

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In the news this August

August 13, 2018 News

Our team here at Smith of Derby have had another busy summer, both in the works and out on various sites across the UK. All departments have been working hard during this heatwave on many different projects, with the odd ice cream being enjoyed along the way! Our traditional sector has been extremely busy with many different jobs taking place, both in the works and by our engineers across the UK. Our engineer Matthew Smith recently completed various works on a local church clock. The client, who happens to be a Fellow of the British Horological Institute (FBHI) and has…

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Mitchell Eaton is proud of his achievements

With good reason: Mitch holds the certificate that marks a key stage in his training at Smith of Derby. He has achieved Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture (Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering) along with City and Guilds Level 3 diploma and BTEC level 3 subsidiary diploma in the same subjects. His training will continue with coaching from our experienced team of clockmakers and hands-on experience. Mitch is passionate about the practical hands-on work that he does. And he is reliable, trustworthy and confident to work on his own – very important on service calls to clock towers near and far. He…

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Training for all our clockmakers

February 28, 2018 Heritage, Public, Time, Traditional

Whether new to clockmaking or having years of experience, all our clockmakers have a wealth of knowledge. Our training programme is designed to share the strengths of each member of the team, which builds close working relationships as well as just learning about clocks. Aaran is new to the world of clockmaking but it was no surprise that his engineering expertise enabled him to have one of our showpiece clock movements dismantled then up and running again in what seemed like no time at all, and he even found handling the delicate gold leaf a breeze. Meanwhile Steve and Gavin…

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