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Dry Stone Walling, Earth Building And Thatching Could Disappear

Posted: 23/06/2005

A recent report from the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG) backed by ConstructionSkills and English Heritage has highlighted that Britain’s listed and historic buildings are under serious threat from a shortage of skilled craft workers.

The research found that over 86,000 people currently work within the built heritage sector, preserving over 4 million historic homes and 550,000 historic commercial buildings, but with an ever increasing workload nearly a quarter of contractors having outstanding vacancies. With the industry needing to recruit an additional 6,500 people in the next 12 months just to meet the immediate demand.

In the next 15 to 20 years, the research warned, skills such as dry stone walling, earth walling and thatching could disappear altogether. The shortage in many parts of the country is so serious that there can be a wait of three months for the right craftsperson which puts many heritage building at risk.

In response to the reports findings the NHTG aims to encourage more people into the heritage sector by campaigning to raise the profile of vocational training in the sector. The NHTG in consultation with employers, clients and education providers has developed a Skills Action Plan. This plan aims to secure funding for a heritage conservation qualification at NVQ Level 3 and adult apprenticeships and potentially develop current and new qualifications to ensure traditional building craft practical knowledge and skills can be gained from GCSE to Master Craft level.

Michael Brown CIOB deputy chief executive commented, “This is the first major piece of research into the sector and has identified some very serious issues. It should come as no surprise that the heritage sector is facing a skills shortage, the construction industry generally is suffering the same fate, with an ageing workforce and inadequate recruitment.

“But what this piece of research does show is the scale of the problem and the very real threat of these traditional building skills being lost. The CIOB recognises the need to promote this part of our industry and will be working alongside other professional bodies and industry to ensure that we have the right skills to protect our past.”

Green Building Press  
 

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