The Carpentry Show

In this episode, Robin Clevett shares two stories from Carpentry and Joinery centred around apprenticeships. First, apprentice Rhys Mitchell joins us to share his journey into the trade, the lessons he’s learned on site, and what it took to reach the finals of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026 competition. We’ll also hear from Mark Bradshaw, Curriculum Manager at Northampton College, who has won awards for his work Carpentry apprentices. From hands-on projects at Delapré Abbey to the challenges facing apprenticeships today, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real stories from the trade.

Sean Matthews joins Robin at the Fix Radio studios to talk about managing customer expectations and the nightmare of dealing with customers when you try to be accomodating and they take the mick in return. Sean also talks about current work, enquiries and challenges faced recently.

Robin Clevett talks to David Byrne, well known for his top quality domestic outdoor/garden builds about his recent challenges bringing in the work. David explains what's been going on, Why he thinks this is happening, What he will do to keep work coming in and Robin shares his own past experiences taking on higher end and more luxury type garden builds for customers.

Robin was recently accused of plagiarism online - despite never having known about the original work. It got Robin thinking about when it's a case of lateral thinking compared to finding inspiration and also talks about when he's noticed people copying his content for their social media. Robin invites Derek Barrett onto the show as an example of someone who has inspired many online and they discuss both sides and whether it's an overall positive or negative for the trade and online community.

Robin Clevett asks the Construction Industry Training Board to join him and address some misgivings from certain areas of the construction industry. Robin asks whether the CITB are still fit for purpose, asks about decisions behind where grants go and how funds are allocated. Robin addresses the frustration many have about NVQs being favoured over other qualifications in order to get a CSCS card and also asks about the 12-week consultation phase we’re now in with regards to proposals for the CITB and ECTIB to merge as one Industry Training Board.Robin also invites Helen Hewitt from the British Woodworking Federation onto the show for a follow up with regards to where we are after Skills England paused proposals to reduce apprenticeships in length……and Christian Hathrell-Good, a leading training provider (Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd) joins the discussion to share good and bad experiences with regards to getting support from the CITB for their training programmes.

Robin is joined by Landscaper, John Roberts to talk about his work with wood and timber based products in outdoor space, John talks about changing the molecular structure of wood and using Japanese wood burning techniques. Robin shares the story behind one of London's best French Polish companies - a journey that he witnesses first hand. Wesley Knight - well known as a Painter & Decorator online as 'WKPD' talks about the lengths he goes to when it comes to restoring and repairing wood on his projects. 

Robin Clevett looks into site work and domestic work for Carpenters & Joiners and whether there's enough profit and value in certain aspects of the trade. Calum Callachan talks about experiences around this in site work and what his experiences are now having recently jumped into domestic. Friend of the show, Sean Matthews - award winning Tradesperson - joins the chat to share his thoughts on protecting and finding profit in the domestic market.

Robin Clevett looks into the changes coming for sole traders and landlords as HMRC push towards implementing steps in 'Making Tax Digital' from April 2026. Craig Ogilvie from HMRC explains how it'll all work and what resources are available to help with reporting. Robin talks about why he thinks this is a postive for the trade and how he's approaching MTD.

Robin Clevett talks tools with a variety of guests from the world of Carpentry and Joinery. Robin looks into inventions, innovation in the marketplace and looks to new ideas with regards to products and tools you might not be aware of. Guests: Dan Brown (U-Scribe), Chris Keel (Keel's Joinery) & Adrian from Buzz Production.

Robin Clevett talks to a Plasterer, Roofer and a Decorator about their honest experiences working with Carpenters & Joiners. Guests: Plasterer & DIY SOS Cast Member - Chris Frediani, Roofer - Will Hughes AKA Will The Roofer, Chris Ordinaire - Painting & Decorator.

Robin Clevett is joined by Father & Son, Dean & Jay Elliott. Dean has had a similar route into the trade as Robin (both only being one year apart in age) and has brought his son Jay into the trade (Known as 'Carpentry By Jay') Jay and Dean talk about the experiences working together and the passing of skills from one generation to another. Dean talks about some notable projects and experiences working for celebrities and Robin compares Jay and Dean's experiences learning the trade, decades apart.

Scott Bubb AKA Bro's Carpentry joins Robin Clevett to talk about a charity project he took on that saw 30 trades come together over five days, for a good cause that was close to his heart. Scott explains why he decided to do this, discusses organisation & how the project unfolded, the challenges on the way and what it meant to get it finished and the aftermath.

Robin Clevett looks into what it would take the cream of the crop to hang up the tools and go and teach. Robin talks to Adrian Davey, an educator who has 'been there, done it' when it comes to leaving a successful business and life on the tools behind to go and teach. Robin picks Sean Matthews as an award winning tradesperson to ask whether he would consider teaching. Finally, Adam Bell joins the show to explain some of the benefits and reasons why skilled tradespeople have decided to give back and get into teaching.

Robin Clevett looks into the current most effective ways to generate leads, bring in a good quality of work and broaden your client base. Trade Business Coach, Craig Wilkinson gives a detailed breakdown of what the most effective ways are in 2026 and Carpenters Jay Elliott & Jason Joyce share their current experiences and insights with regards to how work comes in for them.

Robin Clevett invites Carpenters to join him and talk about what if moments, forks in the road and the times they've taken risks and bet on themselves professionally. Robin also asks about the risks we're not willing to take and also touches on his own examples. Guests: Kevin Page & Sean Matthews

Robin Clevett looks into what might define the year ahead for many in Carpentry, Joinery & Construction. Allen Burt shares his thoughts from a Carpentry/Joinery perspective, Robin brings you a few ideas of what to focus on for the year ahead. House Builder, Jack Auletta joins the show to discuss construction in general, the budget, what he's heard from his Carpenters and how business was for him last year as well as what the year ahead holds for his business.

Robin Clevett looks into the proposed reforms to appentieshoips once again. Guests include: James Filus from the Institute of Carpenters/Director of the National Association of Shopfitters & Interior Contractors and Carl Shaw - Assistant Principal at Tameside College.

Robin Clevett is joined by Derek Barrett from Derek Barrett Design to discuss his experiences in the trade and his approach to running his business. Derek talks about why he decides to create a lot of what he's working with in-house, Derek also talks about finding & training people to work with him, experiences on social media, use of technology & more. 

Robin Clevett looks into what's currently happening with regards to Skills England's plans to reduce apprenticeships to just 8 months in duration. Robin shares his initial reaction and talks to Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation. The BWF have formed a coalition with other trade bodies to fight against planned reforms and talks in detail about the journey they've been on with this and why it would be such a bad decision. 

Samuel Gough and Nathan McCartney from GM Haus return to share some thoughts about the wider industry and talk more about their working practices. Robin also asks them to take part in some fill in the blank and word association exercises about the trade.

Robin Clevett is joined by Nathan McCartney & Samuel Gough about their Cornwall based business GM Haus, the projects they take on and the success they've experienced over the past four or five years. Samuel and Nathan talk about their upbringing and family legacy in construction as well as learning their craft and going into business together. There's also conversations about subbies, notable projects and the day to day of running GM Haus.

Robin Clevett talks to Carpenters about their best and worst all-time jobs and what some of the worst individual days and moments on the tools as well. Guests: John Argyle, Jason Joyce & Sean Matthews.

Robin Clevett looks into how well Carpenters are getting their heads around all the changes to reporting that are coming with 'Making Tax Digital. Robin invites Derek Barrett, a well experienced and organised business owner onto the show so that he can explain his approach. Robin also talks to his Nephew (Josh Richards) who is a younger limited business owner, so that he can ask him about the digital aspects of reporting and sees what he can learn from the current or 'with it' generation, as Robin puts it.

Robin Clevett talks to Carpenters, David Byrne & Jay Elliott to find out how business has been for them, after checking in at the start of the year. David and Jay talk about the aspects of the trade they've had success with, what had been challenging and how they'll finish off the year as well as plans for 2026. Robin also talk to Australian Carpenter, Frank Schipano about how his Carpentry tour across europe in 2025 has been, as he reaches the end and plans to return to Australia.

Robin Clevett talks to Carpenter and Woodworking Enthusiast, Richard Wagner about the variety of niches he's taken on and experiened within the trade. Richard talks about theatre set building, high rope course design and the work he's put into a boat.

Robin Clevett invites Adam Foster, who is a plumber by trade, to join him and talk about his amazing water tower conversion, which is still ongoing and was featured on Grand Designs. Adam talks about the Carpentry skills he’s self taught and developed on the project, Robin gets into what he loves about this conversion and more! 

Robin Clevett is joined at Festool in Bury St Edmonds by Jade McDonald and her partner Kyle Sutherland to discuss their experiences working together in the trade. Jade talks about how she started getting involved, what learning from Kyle is like, the unique business opportunity their working relationship can become and more! 

Robin Clevett is joined at Festool in Bury St Edmonds by Emily Kitchin AKA Chippie Em. Emily talks about her interesting route into the industry that saw her find a passion and career in Carpentry after many different experiences in the building trade. Emily talks about developing skills, her working styles, notable projects and her journey on social media.

Robin Clevett invites Jack Auletta, a top quality builder local to him in Surrey, to join him in the studio and discuss the construction industry as a whole. Robin and Jack discuss rates of pay, approach to managing a business, the positive changes in the industry, what is slowing down building work more than it should and where more support for the trade needs to come from.

Robin Clevett is joined by Steven Hoare (109 Carpentry) to discuss his experiences being employed in the trade for decades, his favourite tools as well as new kit he's planning to try out. Steven also touches on his home renovation, which is reaching it's final stages and talks about experiences at Fix Fest.

Robin Clevett is joined by British Carpenter,  Matthew Lane, who is based in Kentucky to discuss his current experiences with timber cost, availability and quality. Matt also talks about how tax works there, Health & safety and some of the projects he's completed since last appearing on the show.

Victoria Pirozzolo, known online as @vpcarpentryandinstallations joins Robin Clevett to share her story and experiences as a first year apprentice. Victoria explains how she got her apprenticeship with Wickes, Learning her skills, the work she's taken on so far and what her plans for the future involve. 

Robin Clevett is joined by guests from the world of timber engineering and timber frame construction to discuss why only 10% of England's new build stock has been constructed using timber frame and whether we could and should do more. Guests include: Andrew Waugh from Waugh Thistleton Architects & Ian Garbutt from Cartledge Timber Frame Ltd.

Robin Clevett is joined by guests to talk about some of their worst injuries and accidents suffered while working on the tools. They also talk about witnessing accidents, close calls and times where other people put you in danger. Guests include: Andrew Walker (AW Maker), Brad Hanson (Bald Builders) & Liam McGinley (McGinley's Cabinets & Carpentry)

Robin Clevett is joined in the studio by 8th generation Carpenter & Joiner, Allen Burt. Allen talks about his background in digital technology and how that's influenced his approach in the trade. Allen talks about getting future generations interested and hands on with the craft, his work, tools and more! 

Robin Clevett looks into handling conflict. Robin talks to a range of guests from the construction industry about how they handle disagreements, frustrating situations, arguments and full on fist fights. Guests include: John Argyle, Jack Auletta & Dan Tempest. 

Robin Clevett talks to three well accomplished Carpenters and gets some of their best new and all-time tips, tricks and advice. Guests include: Allen Burt, Jason Joyce & Gary Banks

Robin Clevett gets an in depth insight into what happens at a car boot sale bust with regards to the re-sale of stolen tools, he asks who the people selling stolen tools are, how they operate, what next in the crusade against this and who should be doing more about it. Robin also explores a viral story where builders confronted thieves as they were stealing tools and what happened next. Guests: Shoaib Awan & Paul Underwood

Scott Taylor from Taylor's Joinery & Plastics joins Robin Clevett to talk about his 19 years of experiences in Gambia, Africa where he's been helping out Schools. Scott talks about how he first got involved, what led to having to build a school from the ground up, the approach to doing so with local labour and being honoured at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Robin Clevett talks to award winning Carpenter, Joshua Lewis about his experiences with the family business and journey as well as winning two awards from On The Tools. Joshua talks about why he wouldn't take on apprentice currently and also touches on his experiences with his younger brother on site.

Robin Clevett sat down at Festool in Bury St Edmonds for a chat with Oli Lee (With Bear Hands UK) about his incredible work in outdoor spaces across the UK. Oli talks about some notable treehouse and cabin builds he's completed, he discusses where his passion for creation came from and how he works with an ever evolving plan on each build

Robin Clevett is joined by two previous guests, who joined him on the show years ago, so that he can find out how their skills have progressed and what their experiences have been like since they first came on the show. Robin talks to Chris Keel and catches up with him five years after having won 'Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2020'. Robin also talks to Terry 'Tel' George, known as Moo's Carpentry on Instagram. Terry interviewed Robin on the show at the end of lockdown and since then has some incredible stories to tell about the celebrities showing interest in his woodwork

Robin Clevett is joined by women from the trade in the UK who are undoubtedly trailblazing their way into a male dominated industry and having tremendous success doing so. Robin talks to Jade McDonald, about her experiences learning skills and why there might be fewer women in Carpentry/Joinery than other trades within construction. Robin chats with Lisa Tisor, who works closely with friend of the show John Argyle. Lisa talks about how she got started, experiences working with John and the enjoyment of working with timber. Finally, Emily Kitchin AKA Chippy Em Building & Carpentry discusses setting up an all female construction company as well as her experiences on the tools and plans for the future

Robin Clevett is joined by fellow Fix Radio presenter and DIY SOS cast member, Chris Frediani to discuss protecting the reputation of tradespeople and whether a proper licensing system brought in by the FMB would work. Robin plays some case studies of the public being ripped off by rogue traders in construction and discusses what went wrong as well as the lessons to be learnt

Robin Clevett answers some frequently asked questions that he gets through his social media, via the show and his YouTube channel

Robin Clevett attends the Craft of Carpentry Exhibition at Japan House in London and witnesses a thousand years of craft and engineering from Japanese society. Robin is joined by fellow Carpenter and right hand man, Ed Harris as they discuss the craft on show and apply their skills and understanding to what the Japanese do with wood. Robin also introduces Carpenter Joshua Lewis and catches up with award winning Australian Carpenter, Frank Schipano, who has been working in Amsterdam since he was last on the show

Robin Clevett is joined by Carpenters to discuss their toughest jobs and experiences on the tools that have really challenged them. Guests include: Oli Lee (With Bear Hands), Allen Burt (8th Generation Carpenter) & Festool influencer, Gary Banks

Robin Clevett visits Champion Timber in Dorking to find out what's going on with the latest costs, availability and trends in the marketplace. Robin has a quote from the same Timber Yard, ten years apart, so that he can compare the price. Terry McDermott also gives Robin a tour of the yard and discusses the range of products on offer

Robin Clevett joins Jack Auletta and his team at a rural ongoing building project in the Surrey Hills. Jack gives Robin a guide around the site and talks about his history with the project. Robin and Jack look at the materials used and Robin talks to the guys on-site

During Robin Clevett's recent visit to Festool in Bury St Edmonds, Robin sat down with Head of Construction at Tameside College Dean Donelon, so that Dean could ask Robin his thoughts on how the trade is taught, what he would like apprentices to be taught, insight into his career and advice for those joining the trade