What I find interesting is that this was a skilled trade worthy of an apprenticeship. Do you believe that that was generally the case? If I remember correctly there were some very nasty chemicals involved but when I first started in engineering, plating was not craft. That was in the 1960s but it was dangerous and unpleasant occupation even then. What I do remember is large tanks of chemicals including acids and cyanide, was that for chrome plating? The tanks varied in size according to the object being plated. Thus the size of the operation was determined largely by the size of the object being plated and the volume of work of course Michael Allbrook -----Original Message----- From: eng-warks-birmingham-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:eng-warks-birmingham-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Mike Fisher Sent: 14 August 2009 14:03 To: eng-warks-birmingham@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [B'ham] Electroplating apprenticeship/master Hi Carolyn An apprentice was generally from 14 to 21 (7 years) He could then become a journeyman where he worked for the owner of a business If he set up in business on his own account he became a master. He might employ others or work on his own. Mike Fisher Carolyn Burley wrote: > In 1841 by great-great grandfather was an electroplate apprentice. He was > 14 yrs. In later census reports he has his own business and describes > himself as an Electroplate Master. Does anyone know about such > apprenticeships? were apprenticeships? What would it take to become a "Master"? As a master could he train others? His son became an electroplater as well. For many years his business was located in his residence on Warstone lane. He had a large family. How much space would it take to run such a business? I'd appreciate any information you can provide. Carolyn > > Any problems, please contact the List Admin: ENG-WARKS-BIRMINGHAM-admin@rootsweb.com To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ENG-WARKS-BIRMINGHAM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message