During National Apprenticeship Week, we are celebrating the work and the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

One CITB apprentice who has made his mark is Alec Curtis, 21, from Hereford, who this month saw a 4ft stone cross he crafted being installed in Hereford Cathedral.

Alec is a stonemason working for Hudson Stonework based in Hereford. He used the traditional technique of chiselling to make the cross on behalf of IJ Preece as part of nine-month restoration project supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and ChurchCare, as well as the Headley Trust.

The cross took two months to create, which has been made to replace a cross on the cathedral’s Tudor booth porch.

The original is believed to have been removed soon after building work was completed on the porch in 1518!

Alec said: “I’m incredibly proud to have made the cross and it was fantastic to attend the blessing with my parents when the cross was installed.

“Coming from Hereford, it’s fantastic to have my work installed in the cathedral that will be there for generations to come.”

He is now coming to the end of his apprenticeship, which he describes as a “very positive experience which has helped me grow as a person”

Alec chose to do an apprenticeship in stonemasonry as he was always interested in doing hands-on practical work and had an interest in art.

He recalls how he applied for his apprenticeship. “I spotted an advert that Simon, the owner of Hudson Stonework, had put in the local paper and I was interested to find out more.

“With the support of my parents, I spoke to Simon and was subsequently offered the apprenticeship. Simon and his wife Beth have been so supportive of me and my career to date and given me this fantastic opportunity.

“I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone, it really is the best thing you can do.”

Alec hopes to one day use his skills around the world and is interested in the idea of traveling as a traditional journeyman – an individual who has completed an apprenticeship and is fully educated in a trade or craft, but not yet a master.

“The skills I have learnt during my apprenticeship can be used across the world,” he says.

“I hope to travel one day as a stonemason, perhaps starting in Denmark and continuing my travels from there.”