slightly deviating, when I was an apprentice, depending where you were in the entrance exam pecking order you could choose "departments". Engineering trade or craftsmen trade. I first went into pattern making for the foundry but didn't make the cut after 6 months, however enough promise was seen to put me into the Coppersmith shop as a craft apprentice. There were only a few craftsmen in shipbuilding, the others were tradesmen. Crafts were Pattern making, Coppersmiths and joiners, joiners had upholstery section and also flag making shop, remember this is a Royal Naval dockyard. On finishing your apprenticeship, I was one of the last full 5 year lads, you took a few skill test to determine where you would go. I was considered a submariner boy after 18 months on the old Ark Royal. As a "craftsman" you received extra money for your grade A duties. Brazing and welding on Submarines were a 100% pass rate requirement. As a Coppersmith you were also entitled to a milk allowance to combat the arsenic and cadmium found in our duties, this was removed as they found it didn't work . It was a standing joke that Coppersmiths never saw their pensions! Glad to say newer health and safety helped me get mine
