The All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme has launched a call for
applications for the fourth year of the programme.
Developed by The King's Foundation in partnership with Northern
Ireland's Department for Communities and the Heritage Council,
the programme will support seven aspiring craftspeople with an
interest in heritage skills, who will have the opportunity to
work on historic buildings and sites throughout the island of
Ireland.
Communities Minister, welcomed the launch of the
programme and urged anyone interested in heritage skills to
apply. Minister Lyons said: “This programme has not
only helped budding craftspeople hone their skills and build a
career, it also supports the vital work of my Department as it
strives to preserve and restore our historic environment.
Traditional skills such as blacksmithing, stone masonry and
carpentry ensure we can bring our heritage assets back to life,
sympathetically carrying out conservation work using
time-honoured techniques. I recognise there is a skills shortage
in this area and programmes like this one, and the heritage
apprentice programme recently introduced by my Department, are
essential to continue our conservation work and ensure our
heritage assets retain their special character for future
generations to visit and enjoy.
“These skills are also in demand as we support the
regeneration and repurposing of historic older buildings for the
benefit of local communities through the Village Catalyst
programme. At the Department's Heritage Skills Centre in Moira,
students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience
in traditional building skills, conservation and repair, working
with master craftspeople, as well as working towards a Level 3
NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills (Construction).”
The course is due to begin in July 2025 and has been specifically
developed to meet the rising demand for upskilling in heritage
building skills in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. In Northern
Ireland, the course will be delivered in partnership with
Construction Industry Training Board NI. Successful applicants
will have the opportunity to spend 12 months engaging in
collaborative learning experiences while developing their
heritage craft skills across a range of disciplines and gaining
invaluable practical experience working on historic sites.
Kasia Howard, Senior Education Manager at The King's Foundation
said: “We are delighted to be part of this programme and to offer
aspiring craftspeople a unique opportunity to learn heritage
craft skills. Education and training are at the heart of The
King's Foundation's work – preserving much needed skills which
will feed in to the conservation and regeneration of buildings,
public spaces and much treasured local landmarks. This
programme makes a real difference to craftspeople and communities
alike, and we are proud of all that our alumni have gone on to
achieve.”
The course will help preserve skills that are at risk of being
lost such as traditional carpentry, lime work, thatching,
blacksmithing and stonemasonry. To ensure it is accessible to
all, successful applicants will receive a full scholarship and
will be provided with a monthly bursary to help cover the cost of
travel and accommodation.
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said:
“With the number of skilled heritage craftspeople dwindling, it
is more important than ever to create opportunities for the next
generation to develop their talents and keep these time-honoured
skills alive. The All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme plays a
vital role in preserving and passing on these invaluable crafts -
it is the only initiative of its kind currently available. By
equipping participants with the knowledge and expertise to refine
their skills, we are ensuring that our heritage remains vibrant
and continues to inspire and benefit generations to come."
Applications for The All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme are
open now until 5pm on Friday 11 April 2025. To apply, or to find
out more, visit: All-Ireland Heritage
Skills Programme Application - The King's Foundation
