York Minster apprentice stonemason’s bid to be best in world
A York Minster apprentice will compete to be crowned the best young stonemason in the world at an international competition in Brazil in August.
Sam Turner, 20 from Leeds, is competing as part of Team UK at the WorldSkills Competition, the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in the world.
Sam, who joined York Minster in 2012, will be among 1000 young people aged 18-25 from across the globe to take part in the competition in Sao Paulo between 11 and 16 August.
He was selected to represent Team UK in the Architectural Stonemasonry category after excelling in Squad UK and the WorldSkills UK National Skills Competitions.
“I felt shocked when I heard the news that I’d been selected for the final and it didn’t sink in for a few weeks,” Sam explained, “but it’s amazing to be able to represent the UK at this level.”
Sam will have 22 hours over the four day competition to complete a piece of stonemasonry, including making the templates, working the stone and completing lettering and carving.
“It will be hard work but I’m feeling ready for it and looking forward to going out there, showing what I’ve learnt and hopefully winning a medal,” he added.
Sam completed his Level 3 NVQ and Diploma in banker masonry at York College and has one year left of his apprenticeship at York Minster before he qualifies as a stonemason. Over the last three years, his work has included producing stone for the cathedral’s magnificent East End, which is undergoing a major programme of conservation and restoration.
“One of the highlights of the job is definitely being able to look up at a building like York Minster and know your work will be there for centuries to come,” he explained.
Paul Greene, Superintendent of Works at York Minster, said: “We’re so proud of Sam for reaching the final of the WorldSkills competition. He’s put a huge amount of work into his training so we’re really pleased this has paid off and wish him the best of luck for the final.”
Paul Hill, stonemasonry tutor at York College, said: “From day one Sam had a natural ability with stone, producing advanced work at a young age. He deserves his place in the WorldSkills competition and has every chance of proving himself to be the best stonemason in the world!”
The WorldSkills competition is held every two years and involves young people competing for medals in more than 45 different skills including electrical installation, welding, web design, cooking and bricklaying.
The results from the competition will be announced on 16 August.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
*Please note that although the WorldSkills competition starts on the 11 August, Sam will be unavailable for interview after the 4 August due to training and travelling commitments.*
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