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Background Almost from their earliest times the ancient guilds undertook a responsibility for the education and training of young people. Training apprentices in their craft or trade was an important part of a liveryman’s duties. The traditional apprentice became less common over the years but a few companies maintained the practice. The concern for young people continues today by the growing involvement in supporting schools, universities and colleges. The Lightmongers educational activity has grown exponentially over the last two decades. It was decided that the resources of the Company were better suited to encouraging students through a dynamic programme of sixteen awards and bursaries, a well established and important facet of the Company’s work that, allied to other significant charitable activities, is a central feature of their high profile in the City. Presentations are made at most functions, giving members the opportunity to meet the young people whose excellent work has merited the reward of a monetary prize and the chance to experience a formal ‘City’ dinner. These awards are listed on the ‘Award Winners’ page. Journeyman Scheme Particular sectors of the industry run apprenticeship / training schemes but, because most people do not commit to the lighting industry until after basic training, a Journeyman scheme was deemed more appropriate. The Journeyman scheme encourages admission of younger members by assisting them to develop their careers after their initial education and training. Aimed at young “high flyers”, it is a monitored professional development programme over three years. During this period, they participate in all Lightmongers functions as though they were members and attend one dinner per year as guests of the Company. The ultimate prize for the Journeymen comes after successful completion of their Journey when they are awarded the Freedom of the Company “by Servitude” and enter into full membership without the usual entry ‘fine’. The scheme started in 2005 and up to three applicants per year can be accepted with the objective that at any one time there will be a maximum of nine Journeymen in the Company. Anna Whittaker, a lighting designer working for Holophane, has been enrolled on the Company’s Journeyman scheme in 2009. She was proposed by her Managing Director, Lightmonger Alasdair McRury, who will be her
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