Students encouraged to learn heritage crafts

The new scheme will encourage the next generation of builders into new careers in building conservation

Young people are being encouraged to take up a career in the construction industry to learn skills which could help preserve Sussex's historic buildings.

Forty young people from colleges across West Sussex and Brighton & Hove will be offered a taster day by the Sussex Heritage Trust at Weald and Downland Living Museum, Chichester on 4 June.

They will be trying out four different heritage crafts: practical timber repairs, brickmaking, hurdle making, and wattle and daub.

Helen Reeve, CEO of the trust, said they want to "show young builders that there are careers and opportunities in the building conservation sectors".

The scheme, which will be funded by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) and the Sustainable Communities Fund of South Downs Trust, also offers educational bursaries offering short courses in conservation.

The Sussex Heritage Trust highlighted how these skills are "fundamental for the future protection of Sussex’s historic buildings and landscape".

There are more than 40 building conservation skills on a Red List of Endangered Crafts in 2023, said the trust.

The report assessed more than 250 skills to identify which were at greatest risk of disappearing, with brickmaking and traditional stained-glass window-making flagged as endangered or critically endangered.

Tim Slaney, interim chief executive of the SDNPA, said: "It’s wonderful to be helping the next generation of building conservation craftsmen and women who will be vital to keeping this region so special."

Ms Reeve added: "A critical part of this project is working with the industry to develop a professional pathway through apprenticeships and work placements, as well as our own bursary scheme, to support these young people into work."

The taster day is being supported by the Chichester College Group and the Weald and Downland Living Museum.

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