Vox pop: Reviving the past

Back in my days as an apprentice there was a different atmosphere and working relationships were better. All the trades were kept in-house, it was a real one-stop shop. There’s increasing segregation on building sites these days with everything subcontracted. Communication was much better back then, so the ground workers, the roofer, carpenter, joiner etc all had direct feedback from each other. Lack of communication often makes things go wrong today. By encouraging apprentices into the industry we can at least get some of the traditional trades back.

Philip Hall, Hall Construction

I am old enough to have had the experience of the one major thing missing these days: the clerk of works. This knowledgeable, feared individual could make life hell or heaven. His word was law and he had the respect of the whole team. He ensured adherence to the specification quality and would be there to back up whoever needed it – architect, QS, engineer and even the contractor. I am sure there were less disputes where the was an honest clerk of works. Where did he go?

Mike Smith, Corniche Builders

When I look at my own 1930s suburban house it strikes me that the men building it must have had the time, skills and passion to do everything properly. The brickwork is fantastic, the carpentry in the cut roof is impressive, the doors fit perfectly in their linings, the skirtings are mitred and joined flawlessly… We seem to have become resigned to rushing, cost-cutting and bodging on the basis that this is how things are now. How often do you walk in to a new building and go ‘Wow! Look at the quality?’

Guy Fairweather, ISG Jackson

In 19th century England there were compulsory apprenticeships where the parishes would pay for children to be placed with tradespeople. The interesting thing is it applied to girls as well as boys, so there are records of women getting proper apprenticeships in masonry and other building trades. If there was a similar system today, with an obligation on employers but also government money available, we could train the next generation and bring more women into the industry.

Nina Baker, University of Strathclyde and Construction History Society