S. E. Pennsylvania Furniture Studio apprenticeship
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There is no current paid position available and there is unlikely to one before 2010. Motivated unpaid interns are welcome to apply if highly motivated.
Historically I have taken on a new paid apprentice approximately every two years since 1988. Due to the current economic downturn, as stated, I am unlikely to have a paid position open in 2009 but this is subject to change.
The position I offer is for a minimum of two years but each apprentice is welcome to stay on as long as they wish following two years of training and free studio use so hence the rather nebulous time table.
Historically, I have had one or two apprentices that didn't last a year and have had others stay as long as 4 years. Most have completed two years or more successfully and I stay in close friendly contact with the majority of these men and women that have been through the shop to this day. Two I fired.
Overall job description.
What I always look for in an apprentice is a special person who is either already equipped in some areas and/or highly motivated to learn a variety of tasks. Opportunities with me extend well beyond furniture making and are highly diversified in nature. Tasks, and on the job training include rough milling, joinery, furniture design and construction, all stationary and hand held machine applications, lots of sanding and scraping, finishing and all aspects of studio furniture production. Additional duties include teaching assistance during a total of eight, week-long woodworking classes offered at the studio throughout each year. For this position, there will be a heavy focus on an ongoing professional video project for the creation of commercial DVDs within the studio furniture and woodworking field.
Additional incidental but important job responsibilities.
The training received as an apprentice to my studio would rival any four year college program in the woodworking trade. It should be no secret that a position with me is highly sought after. In many instances I have even been solicited to take on an apprentice for a paid tuition. I have never been comfortable with that kind of tuition based arrangement and prefer to either pay a wage or accept an unpaid intern in exchange for the education as I demand work and lots of it from each apprentice/assistant.
I expect each applicant to be computer literate with experience and/or ability on a variety of platforms and programs. Also, as my studio is located on a working farm, the person I hire must be willing to assist in farm activities including seasonal tending of pastures, hay making, and animal care.
The apprentice is expected to willingly assist with construction of our new sawmill building. This work includes but is not limited to building framing, plumbing and electrical work, roofing, all forms of masonry work.
Although previous experience in any of the tasks mentioned above will be valued, Jeffry Lohr will teach all necessary skills required to do all required tasks with the exception of computer literacy.
Although many other diversified tasks are associated with an apprenticeship to Jeffry Lohr, the applicant can count on at least 65% of the day in day out work experience being devoted to the function of the studio and the production of one of a kind and limited production furniture. This studio time is a necessity as I nearly always have a huge backlog of furniture commissions to be delivered in 2007 & 2008 and my furniture and school is my primary source of income. It should also be understood that this position is a long term job opportunity with significant chance of advancement within my studio and school for the right individual that has the right stuff. Passengers need not apply. I look for real crew members that are capable of seeing the big picture. A self starter that understands they are completely in control of their own destiny.
Specific paid apprentice job description.
- Although Jeffry generally works 6 days a week the average apprentice will have a 4 day work week. 32 hours per week, generally Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. However, apprentices must be willing to work as per the needs of the business.
- The first two initial months of the apprenticeship will be a trial probationary period during which Jeffry will determine if the apprentice has what it takes to be successful in the studio woodworking trade. Following this period, a more long term offer is made generally requiring each apprentice to make a minimum two year commitment to the studio.
- After initial training period, apprentice may use the studio for his/her own woodworking projects and experimentation one full day a week. (Note: 6 to 7 day work weeks are required sporadically during shows and some intensive school weeks. On road trips, expenses for lodging and meals are reimbursed but daily pay is a regular pay per-diem.)
- Starting wage is $8.00 / hour to start. Reviews and appropriate wage adjustment considerations are generally at 6 month intervals.
- Applicant
must be able to lift a minimum of 90 lbs. This is not an everyday
requirement but the need for heavy lifting does arise from time to
time.
- Drivers
license and vehicle required. (Mileage reimbursed while on the job).
- Applicant must be self starter, physically fit, flexible regarding hours and days worked, intelligent, outgoing, and comfortable around tools as well as personable and engaging with students.
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