We are asked on a daily basis; what make a guild sweep any different to any other?

There are three answers to this question

1. Consistent high standards
2. Very high levels of training
3. Ongoing access to Industry Knowledge

It is the opinion of the Guild that in order to be considered a competent sweep, a certain level must be achieved and this unfortunately takes time. In years past a chimney sweep would have spent 2 years apprenticeship with a master chimney sweep before going out on their own.  In reality nowadays this is not practical and does not allow for the necessary classroom theoretical element. To accommodate both theoretical and practical the Guild training program for new sweeps consists of 3 days theoretical training at the Sure-Fire technical centre http://www.surefire.org.uk/, followed by several weeks with a master mentor on our work based mentoring program. This Mentoring program is an industry first as it gives much of what an apprenticeship does without the long time scale. This program is designed to give a sweep the necessary knowledge to be able to undertake the job safely and professionally.

A Guild Practical training Seminar at Sure-Fire

Continue reading →

This blog will explain what ESCHFOE is and what does ESCHFOE mean for the Membership and the Public.

Firstly what is ESCHFOE and what does the acronym stand for?

ESCHFOE

The `europaischen schornsteinfegermeister foderation` or the  `European federation of master chimney sweeps` .

The ESCHFOE is a professional federation  of chimney sweeping guilds which boasts a membership from over 21 countries.

The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps have long  since been active members of ESCHFOE and represent the UK on a National level at  meetings. The decision to join was taken by the Guild in 2006 when we were invited to become a members of the international association. As the Guild`s primary goal is to raise standards within the UK we obviously jumped at the chance.

Continue reading →