New Career
It really is never too late, or too early for that matter, to consider a new career as a dry stone waller. Certainly becoming a professional dry stone waller will not be for everyone - there are many challenges, both mental and physical.
Yet the rewards are abundant - working outdoors, often amongst the most beautiful countryside and wildlife, creating something unique can be one of the most satisfying things to do - leaving your own permanent marker on the landscape for decades or centuries into the future.
Our job is firstly to help you establish if it really is for you, and secondly, if it is, to help you achieve the transition from your current situation - It all starts with our GO-PRO
course specifically designed to give you everything you will need to know to enable you to decide.
Others are doing it - take a look;
Name:
David Norris
Previous Career: Retail / Publishing - 35 Years
Professional Qualifications: ODSA Dry Stone Professional
Background:
After a thoroughly enjoyable 35 year career in the retail and publishing sectors David decided he wanted a complete change. One of his main priorities when considering what to do was that he wanted to work outdoors. Being a keen hill walker he had always been in awe of the miles and miles of dry stone walls he saw on his walks and it wasn't long before he decided on his new career.
David Says:
"Working outdoors has been a life-changer - there's simply nothing like it. I feel energised, sharp minded and clear headed all the time. I sleep well too!
I never thought it would matter, but creating something special, something beautiful, by hand is so incredibly rewarding - I love it - whatever the weather!"
Name: Chris Tamlyn
Previous Career: Vehicle Mechanic - 7 Years
Professional Qualifications:
ODSA Dry Stone Professional
Background:
Chris went straight into training to be a vehicle mechanic from school and worked for seven years within the trade. Whilst Chris enjoyed the work he longed to work outdoors and specifically wanted to become a dry stone waller but had no idea about how to make the transition until he came across OXFORD Dry Stone Academy, learned his trade and became a qualified ODSWA Professional Dry Stone Waller.
Chris Says:
"Deciding to become a dry stone waller was easy for me. For a long time I'd wanted to do it but for me, personally I wanted to work for a company rather than being self-employed. After I found OXFORD Dry Stone Academy and did my training I was offered a full time position as a Dry Stone Waller - my dream job!"
Name: George May
Previous Career: General Builder
Professional Qualifications: N/A
Background:
George worked for a number of years in the family building firm and developed a range of construction skills. For some time though George had a hankering to become a dry stone waller and in 2020 George booked on to the GO-PRO course with OXFORD Dry Stone Academy and not only found he had a natural aptitude for it, but also that he loved doing it. Soon after, George secured a full time role as a Dry Stone Waller.
George Says:
"It wasn't that I didn't enjoy the general building business. It was more that I'd had the idea for a long time that I wanted to get into dry stone walling. But until I came across OXFORD Dry Stone Academy I really had no idea how to go about it. The GO-PRO course provided me with all the help and information I needed to - and they helped me secure a position as a full time dry stone waller too!"
Name: Joe Hanlon
Previous Career: Travel Specialist - 10 Years
Professional Qualifications: N/A
Background:
Joe spent 10 years as a travel specialist organising a range of trips from luxury 10 day safaris to 3 month long trans-Africa expeditions. He worked directly with clients, airlines and supplies and colleagues in Africa to create sensational holiday experiences. As much as he enjoyed this work he had a yearning to work outside with natural materials, incorporating creativity. After he moved to the Cotswolds some time ago he was instantly drawn to the dry stone walls of the area and fell in love with the shape, structure and the way they blend so seamlessly into the natural environment.
Joe Says:
"I found Oxford Dry Stone Academy while searching for courses and was very excited when I came across their Go-Pro course and booked it immediately. The instructor who took the course had a huge knowledge of not only the walling itself but an in-depth understanding of the industry and the careers available within it. He was able to answer all the questions I had when looking to change careers and I left feeling very confident about what my future would be. Now, having secured a full time position I can't wait to start this new chapter in my life and have my shiny new walling hammer at the ready!''
Name: Andrew Walker
Previous Career: Sea-going Hydrographic Surveyor – 18 years
Professional Qualifications: ODSA Dry Stone Assistant
Background:
For the majority of his career, Andrew worked offshore in places as far flung as Australia, Africa, the Arctic Circle and the Falkland Islands. There were many aspects of this work he enjoyed, but spending up to three months at sea at a time meant missing out on the seasons changing and family events at home. After a couple of career breaks, including one where he worked as a charcoal maker, Andrew decided to make a permanent change. As a keen walker, conservation volunteer and someone who loves the outdoors and being in nature, he was immediately drawn to taking up dry stone walling, a craft that combines practical skills and artistry.
Andrew Says:
‘I had become slightly disillusioned with the unrelenting technological aspects of my previous career, and had a growing urge to make a career change - to find a way of spending more time closer to home and ideally outdoors. The opportunity arose to join the Oxford Dry Stone Walling team and I leapt at the chance!
I love the physical nature of this job. I haven’t felt so well and full of vitality in years. I love working outdoors, and the challenge of learning new skills and getting involved in many interesting projects. There’s nothing better than standing back at the end of a beautiful day and looking at the pleasing structure of a wall you’ve helped to build.’
Name: Gigel Neagu
Previous Career: General Construction – 16 years
Professional Qualifications: ODSA Dry Stone Professional
Background:
Gigel amassed an enviable range of skills over a career spanning 16 years in the construction industry. He developed a high level of skill in a range of trades. However he had always particularly enjoyed working with stone and after a little research realised that dry stone walling could allow him to develop his love of stone, construction and add into that an element of artistic flair that had previously laid dormant. Once he came across OXFORD Dry Stone Academy, he realised that he could, with their help, bridge the gap between the two careers.
Gigel Says:
‘I was confident that with my experience of a number of trades that I would take to dry stone walling well. And so it proved - once I completed my training I really felt a real connection with it. It feels liberating to a point after the constraints of some trades and I'm really enjoying being able to create structures that people seem to love! There's nothing more satisfying than looking back on a beautiful dry stone wall that you've created with your own hands.'
Name: Simon Wylde
Previous Career: Retail/Laboratory work - 11 years
Professional Qualifications: ODSA Dry Stone Professional
Background:
Simon worked for many years in retail, starting on the shop floor and working up to management. The job was never intended to be long term but somehow the years just passed by.
Following university, Simon took a position at a laboratory and contributed to several geological research projects. Over time Simon became increasingly unsettled in the job and decided to make a change. Inspired by an introduction course, Simon made the move from Nottingham to Oxford to pursue dry stone walling.
Simon Says:
'I found I was spending less and less time doing the things that made me happy and my role was drifting towards something less enjoyable. After researching many alternative careers, I settled on dry stone walling. I was attracted by the practical nature of the work and the thought of working outdoors in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. It was almost a year before I found a job advertised, luckily patience is a good quality for a dry stone waller!
I love the creative aspects of the job and working with natural material is extremely satisfying. It's a joy to be starting a career in something with such history and tradition. The time goes by quicker than ever and at the end of each day I can step back and see something to be proud of.'
The Mark of Quality