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Horological Training:
There are many satisfying opportunities within the field for both employment and self employment. Horology provides a challenging career. Renewed interest in mechanical watches has created a demand for skilled personnel which cannot be met by the current training provision and the wealth of antique clocks ensures a continued demand for the skills of the clockmaker. The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers takes a particular interest in training and apprenticeships. The number of places available at colleges has become very limited but there is support and encouragement for students who wish to become clock or watchmakers. The current provision in Great Britain is:-
The British Horological Institute
As well as conducting the examinations for two awards, Certificate in Clock and Watch Servicing and Certificate in the Repair, Restoration and Conservation of Clocks / Watches, the Institute provides short courses for enthusiasts and professionals. A Distance Learning Course provides training for the above awards. This course is being followed by students wishing to learn to become clock or watchmakers and those already in the trade in order to develop their skills and lead to Professional Membership of the Institute. The Company has worked with the Institute to provide accredited qualifications and contributes to the prize awarded annually to the student gaining the highest marks in the examinations. (At the moment around two hundred students, worldwide, are following the Distance Learning Course)
Contact: The British Horological Institute, Upton Hall, Upton, Newark, Notts, NG23 5TE. Telephone: 01636 817 604 email: maxine@bhi.co.uk
British School of Watchmaking
This is the latest addition to training opportunities; the first students commenced their course in September 2006. The course, which follows the widely accepted WOSTEP syllabus, was inaugurated by Breitling, Patek Philippe and Rolex, together with the Swatch Group, Richemont and jewellery store owners Signet, FA Buck, Goldsmiths and the Houlden Group. It has taken five years and has cost more than £400,000 to bring to fruition. Students are generally sponsored by the companies that fund the school. (Currently there are 6 students but when fully operational there will be provision for 12 students).
Contact: The British School of Watchmaking is at Crossford Court, Units 5 and 6, Dane Road, Sale, Manchester, M33 7BZ. telephone: 0 161 976 5650.
St Loye’s College
St Loye’s College caters for the disabled in a residential situation which provides vocational training. The Horology Department uses a dedicated workshop to train students during a one year course. St Loye’s principal objective…. is to provide people who experience a barrier to work, disability, lack of confidence, social awareness, stress or pending unemployment, to acquire or up-date work-skills in order to retain or gain open employment." (admission is on an individual basis throughout the year; approximately 20 students can be accommodated)
Contact: St Loye's Foundation, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 6EP telephone: 01392 255 428 email: info@stloyes.ac.uk
UCE Birmingham
The School of Jewellery includes a horology department situated in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The department provides a three year course leading to the Certificate in the Repair, Restoration and Conservation of Clocks / Watches. This award is nationally accredited with administration by EAL (EMTA Awards Ltd) and the British Horological Institute. Students also have the opportunity to gain the HND Horology validated at the College. The Company currently awards two “Harrison Bursaries” to assist students with other bursaries from time to time. (Approximately 28 students encompassing the three year course.)
Contact: The School of Jewellery, UCE Birmingham, Vittoria Street, Hockley, Birmingham B1 3PA telephone: 0121 331 5940 email: jewellery@biad.uce.ac.uk
West Dean College
Situated in West Sussex West Dean College provides courses for conservation and restoration for a number of disciplines. The Conservation – Restoration of Antique Clocks course is of one year duration and leads to a Diploma of West Dean College; some students continue for a further year to gain a Professional Development Diploma. The Company regularly provides financial assistance for students to study at West Dean College and provides an annual prize. (Approximately 8 students encompassing the two year provision)
Contact: West Dean College, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ, telephone: 01243 811301email: enquiries@westdean.org.uk
Other training opportunities
As well as the formal programs given there are opportunities for enthusiasts to use facilities and learn about clock / watch repair by attending Horology Clubs. One example within reach of London is the Epping Forest Horology Club situated in Essex. Tuition is provided in a friendly atmosphere. The Company has assisted EFHC by providing essential equipment for student use.
Contact: Telephone: 020 8599 8579 e-mail: info@efhc.org.uk
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