New book-binding apprentice scheme opens

A new apprenticeship scheme, launched to train apprentices in the "increasingly rare" skills of the hand bookbinding trade, is now calling for applicants for its first intake.

The Queen’s Bindery Apprenticeship will train up to six apprentices over five years in commercial workshops and at the Royal Bindery at Windsor Castle.

Applicants from a range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply and no previous experience or qualifications are necessary, but applicants should be creative and "have an interest in the field". The closing date for the autumn 2016 intake is 31st July.

The Queen attended the pre-launch of the Queen's Bindery Apprenceship Scheme. Picture: Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016

Jocelyn Stuart-Grumbar of The Clothworkers’ Company, said: “This new scheme offers an exciting opportunity for someone looking to gain experience and develop a new career in one of the UK’s rarest trades. Hand-bound books are considered a unique item to collect or to give, and can be a pleasure to handle and to read.

“We regularly fund initiatives that conserve traditional skills and crafts that are part of our nation’s rich heritage, and we are delighted to be supporting a scheme that will help preserve this historic craft. But we also want to build on that heritage – this bookbinding apprenticeship will prepare individuals for sustainable employment and success in an industry that is very much alive today.”

Apprentices will receive a City and Guilds qualification on completion of the five-year course. The Foundation Course (years 1-2) will cover paper and cloth bindings, leather case bindings and an introduction to leather fine binding. The Specialist Levels (years 3-5) will cover conservation and restoration, box-making, gold leaf and foil finishing, original binding design, and historical binding styles.

A number of skills will be taught on the apprenticeships. Picture: Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016

Each apprentice will be individually mentored throughout, and will potentially become a Freeman of a participating Livery Company on completion. The course also includes professional skills such as basic administration, business theory, self-employment issues and how to set up a small business.

The Queen’s Bindery Apprenticeship is funded by Royal Collection Trust, Antiquarian Booksellers Association, City & Guilds of London Institute, The Clothworkers’ Company, The Leathersellers' Company, The Printing Charity, Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust and The Stationers' Company. In addition, there are three skills and industry partners, who will benefit from employing the apprentices and contribute to costs: The Royal Bindery, Blissett Bookbinders and Shepherds, Sangorski & Sutcliffe.

The Royal Collection Trust held a pre-launch reception at Windsor Castle for The Queen's Bindery Apprenticeship Scheme on 21st June to thank supporters and partners of the scheme. During the reception The Queen joined the gathering and met some of the scheme's supporters and partners.

The closing date for the autumn 2016 intake is 31st July – full details and an application form are available here.