Interview with newly qualified apprentice George W Hobbs
Having finished his ‘A’ levels George was looking for a more practical, ‘hands-on’ apprenticeship rather than progressing onto university.
George had a lifelong passion for gunmaking that started when he was seven making toy wooden guns with his grandad. George looked for an apprenticeship in gunmaking and was lucky to find an opportunity with Mayfair Engineering. With financial support from the Gunmakers Company Charitable Trust George set off on his journey through his gunmaking apprenticeship.
Mayfair Engineering design, manufacture and supply Mauser bolt-actions for some of the world’s most notable and prestigious gunmakers here in the UK and throughout the world.
Over the following five and a half years of his apprenticeship, he was fortunate to learn all aspects of the Mauser bolt-action manufacture, these range from CNC machining, milling and turning, EDM both wire and die sinking and critically bench finishing craft skills.
During his apprenticeship, George had the opportunity to represent Mayfair Engineering several times at IWA Outdoor Classics in Germany and at the Celebration of British Gunmaking hosted by the East India Club, London.
“There’s a certain satisfaction you get when you make and then represent the product you and the company have worked tirelessly to perfect, and to get the recognition of this work and quality on an international level. I think one of the main passions I have for this industry is the ability to see a product start from a raw billet to a fully functioning and finished action.” George.
Although George wanted a practical and more traditional apprenticeship, he also wanted independent recognition and evidence of his achievement, having served his full apprenticeship of almost six years.
This professional and independent recognition came from the Certification Panel of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers. The Certification Panel is composed of experts within the various dimensions of gunmaking, engineering and associated disciplines such as engraving.
The process of certification begins with the submission of a piece of the candidate’s own work, in this case, a complete finished Mauser action, along with a portfolio of supporting evidence. The panel then examine the physical work along with the portfolio and interview the candidate to test their gunmaking knowledge before deliberating on whether the candidate has passed or perhaps needs to re-submit.
“It’s a privilege to speak to a room made up of my peers and respected Masters of the gun trade, to share and speak the same language (Gunmaking), and to have shared core values. Speaking to such a panel of experts was quite daunting at first, however, the panel made me feel at ease and I enjoyed the interview. I am also glad and grateful that I could meet the strict standards that the Certification Panel upholds. I will look to uphold those standards throughout the rest of my career.” George.
George passed the Certification Panel interview and three months later was invited to the certificate presentation ceremony which was presided over by the Master of the Company, members of the panel and various members of Court.
Pictured above from the left: Mike H-Hobbs (Grandfather), Robert Oliver (Grandfather), George and the Master.
“I am truly inspired by the journey I have taken with my trade, and the help from those around me including, the company I work for. And I am very grateful for the support and guidance from the GCCT and the bursary I was given. I don’t believe that I would have been taken on as an apprentice if the bursary was not provided, and therefore I wouldn’t have been able to learn my trade. I wish to continue my practical education, hopefully progressing to Master Gunmaker in time, I am also looking forward to joining the livery as a working gunmaker, a route that the Livery has made more financially accessible for working gunmakers like myself. Also, to know what a privilege gaining these rare skills is, and I intend, if I can, to pass my skills onto future generations of gunmakers.” George.
The award-giving ceremony is a wonderful celebration recognising gunmaking craft skills in Britain and from this point of departure, the now qualified apprentice looks forward to moving on as a journeyman honing their skills further as they develop toward master gunmaker.
At the ceremony there were two other recipients, all enjoyed the event, particularly the newly acknowledged gunmakers and gunsmiths as they enjoyed a glass of wine with the Master and celebrated together as qualified and recognised individuals within the gunmaking trade, long may this practice continue.
George pictured outside the certification panel (15th June 2022)
