We sit down with two incredible carpenters, Alex "The Valley Viking" and Aidan from ILH Timber Framing. Brace yourself for shocking and hilarious stories involving broken banjos, oddly-shaped croissants, and roofing revelations that will leave you in stitches. But it's not all laughs - these seasoned tradesmen also dive deep into the debate on whether college is worth it for trades and share invaluable insights on growing a successful carpentry business.Alex, hailing from the valleys of Wales, takes us on his journey from a 16-year-old apprentice to a globe-trotting carpenter who's worked in Australia and beyond. He shares his experience with the dated curriculum of carpentry colleges and why he believes on-site learning is the key to success. Alex also opens up about his decision to start his own business during the lockdown and the challenges and triumphs he's faced along the way.Aidan, the timber framing master from East Sussex, reveals his unconventional start in the trade - from washing pans to being thrown into a carpentry apprenticeship by his dad. He shares his insights on the differences between cabinet making and carpentry, and why he chose to specialise in timber framing. Aidan also discusses the impact of the recession on his career and how he's built a thriving business with a steady stream of work.From debating the merits of traditional vs. modern carpentry techniques to sharing their favourite (and least favourite) parts of the job, Alex and Aidan hold nothing back in this episode. They offer invaluable advice for anyone considering a career in carpentry, including why burning bridges is never a good idea and how to overcome fear and tackle challenging projects. Whether you're a seasoned tradesman or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour, and cautionary tales that will leave you inspired and entertained.___