Keeping traditional skills alive
Ray Stephens next to Calke Abbey’s (Derbyshire) Canons Ashby gates
© National Trust
The loss of traditional building skills has been rued for many years now, but the extent and impact of this loss was confirmed in a 2005 National Heritage Training Group (NHTG) report commissioned by the government.
The report highlighted shortfalls in traditional skills and an ageing workforce in these areas throughout England. Subsequent investigations covering Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland show a similar trend across the UK.
Although we have 150 staff with traditional expertise including stonemasons, carpenters, joiners, plumbers, bricklayers and lime plasterers, this workforce is following the same worrying trend that the NHTG report highlighted.
That’s why we’re involved in a partnership to make sure these valuable traditional skills don’t die out. We’re working with English Heritage, Cadw (the historic environment service of the Welsh Assembly Government), and Construction Skills on a Bursary Scheme that nurtures traditional building skills.
The bursaries will enable us to take on and keep hold of people like Ray Stephens. Thanks to Ray, Calke Abbey in Derbyshire now boasts new and beautifully crafted Canons Ashby gates, and Hardwick Hall’s beautiful panelling has been lovingly and expertly restored.
The National Trust Building Apprenticeship Scheme was also set up in 2010 to help tackle the imminent skills shortage. Aimed at 16-19 year olds this exciting new initiative offers three year Apprenticeships in a range of traditional skills including carpentry and joinery, stone masonry, lead work, plumbing, and painting/decorating.
For more information see our Building Apprenticeships page.