CERTIFIED MEMORIAL MASONRY TRAINING
2024 Autumn update
During 2024 we have delivered a number of training courses and assessments which are tailored to suit the candidates skill set. The HA1J-04 is a National Occupational Standards Award which applies not only to the erecting/fixing of new memorials and headstones it also applies to the repair, restoration and re erecting/ fixing of headstones, memorials and monuments.
We have been operating and running the Bob Strickland SQA test centre since Bob was unable to continue due to ill health. Our main worry was that following Covid, there would be no Test Centre available in Scotland to offer the HA1J-04 award. We have followed the instructions of the SQA and ensured that in Bob’s absence the Test Centre was operated to the highest standard.
The SQA have however decided we needed to apply to be our own Test Centre and we have now completed that process, however while we wait to have our new Test Centre number allocated, we are unable to register any new candidates. Any candidates we have already registered with the Bob Strickland Partnership shall be able to complete their awards.
The SQA are being very supportive and we are working hard to have our test centre accredited to allow us to deliver both the fix and secure award and The memorial safety award. (Managing and maintaining Cemetery and Burial Ground Memorials J1N-845) Our Test Centre will be known as Douglas Swan & Sons (Training).
We are still taking bookings for training courses through 2024. There were a number of Memorial Safety Assessment and Inspection, Dismantle and Ref-fix and Memorial Fixing Courses courses delivered during 2023, However most of these had been arranged through Burial Authorities but in a few cases we included independent contractors. To arrange to attend a course or for more information please e-mail us and we shall try and fit you in where we can.
NEWS
In addition to staging training courses at our training centre in Kirkcudbright this year, we have delivered training courses as far afield as Shetland and Edinburgh. We have also delivered a Training Course in Sanquhar here in Dumfries and Galloway.
Tomasson Consultants
Although originally based in Glasgow the consultancy provides Memorial Masonry Training anywhere in the UK including Northern Ireland and can deliver SVQ qualifications.
The consultancy employs fully qualified industry experienced memorial masons to deliver a wide range of memorial masonry training courses including headstone or memorial fixing, headstone or memorial repairs and restoration.
Training courses and assessments in Memorial masonry can be arranged at your place of work, any cemetery or burial ground, or at our fully equipped training centre.
Courses and training can be tailored to suit individual requirements where a special skill is required, or as part of one of our standard courses.
Tools and equipment are supplied for all courses.Students are required to provide their own PPE. A list is provided for students, which will normally comprise of the following items:
- Overalls or work trousers
- Steel toe capped boots or shoes
- Safety gloves
- Wet weather clothing
- Ear defenders or ear plugs
- Dust masks
- Safety goggles or safety glasses
