Our Town Hall apprentices - Tracy Cartledge
Tracy Cartledge at manchester Town Hall, helping to restore the mosaic flooring
Tracey Cartledge - Social Value Lead, The Mosaic Restoration Company
I joined the project in June 2022 to work with the Mosaic Restoration Company on the restoration of the many marble mosaic corridors in Our Town Hall, as well as the Jesse Rust glass mosaic ceiling in the main Albert Square entrance hall. Part of my role also is to ensure that – as a team – we achieve our social value targets.
Taking up the role of Social Value Lead has been a great way to facilitate training and education opportunities for the people of Manchester within our remit as well as being a chance for me to learn more about social value, and improve my own skills and knowledge. Mosaic restoration is a particularly niche area of construction but, despite the challenges, we were able to create bespoke apprenticeships for local people to benefit from: that has been both rewarding and encouraging for the future of the craft.
In addition, I have collaborated with The Manchester College to provide two work placements, representing a rare and insightful opportunity for their students. We hope that this informs their future career choices as well as imparting invaluable experience about the nature of the workplace.
I have really enjoyed gaining experience in public speaking by taking part in the delivery of various presentations, including the Heritage Lectures at Manchester Central Library and showcasing our skills and craft in the Artisan Studio. I have enjoyed the support, enthusiasm, and camaraderie of my colleagues at OTH and I'm absolutely delighted that this magnificent building is receiving the care and attention that it needs and deserves. I have always been very fond of Manchester Town Hall and it is a huge honour for me to contribute to its preservation for future generations to enjoy and admire.