THIS month I’d like to celebrate apprenticeships. Apprentices are “someone who works for a person for a fixed term to learn his or her trade”.

Here in Ryedale we have many people on an apprenticeship, especially in the racing industry. Jockey apprenticeships are thriving.

My family has a history of apprentices, so I guess it was no surprise when I started out on my employment journey and took up an apprenticeship, which I am delighted to say, I have no regrets about.

I had – and still have – a passion for making and creating things and when you really think about it, making is the most powerful way that we solve problems, express ideas and really shape the world.

In broad terms, what and how we make defines who we are and communicates who we want to be.

For many people, making is critical for survival. For others, like me, it is a chosen vocation, a way of thinking, inventing or innovating. For some, it’s simply being able to say “I made that”.

Everyone is capable of making something, even if it’s just for their own pleasure or to sell at the church fete. However, the knowledge of how to make everyday objects and highly skilled creations is one of our most precious resources.

Personally, I think learning a skill in whatever chosen area is a fantastic resource for anyone to have and if you go on to master your skill, success becomes hugely rewarding.

If a skill is taught at an early age, it becomes a natural asset.

I have watched many skilled masters at work and over many years they have perfected their craft.

In Ryedale we have many skilled and varied crafts men and women, but alas, some trades are sadly dying out and it is only when something is gone you realise how much it is missed or needed. I guess it’s not “cool” to learn certain crafts nowadays, which is so sad.

Let’s try to celebrate the apprentices and the vast array of skills held in our area. If we all teach our chosen skill to the next generation, we have hope of keeping all these fantastic skills alive, which will carry on for generations to come and make Ryedale a richer place to live.