The completion of an apprenticeship is marked by ceremony and celebration. It is a time for all involved to recognize the achievements of the individual apprentices as well as the masters who have successfully transferred their skills. All involved turned out for the apprentice graduation.
The Master Builder looks on as his first apprentices complete four years of work and learning. The ceremony in the Cathedral speaks volumes about the importance of the event to all concerned.
After the impressive ceremony, well wishers and colleagues converge on the new journeymen. The apprentice graduation is a shared pride in this unique place.
Generational Skills Passed Down
In the traditional apprentice program for stone masons, Master Masons passed their skills down to apprentices in a work and learn environment. For centuries, during the Middle Ages of Europe, The Master Masons conducted apprenticeship schools to teach the young apprentices the craft of stonemasonry and the art of geometry.
Geometry and Masonry were synonymous terms in the stonemasons training program. Geometry and building crafts secrets were passed down through the generations by word of mouth in the program.
- Thanks to Jose Tapia for the information and the use of his Certificate.
- Thanks to Robert F. Rodriguez for always being there when an important event happened in the stoneyard.