March 19, 2018 2.40 pm This story is over 71 months old

Lincolnshire heritage skills trainee scheme given over £585k

The project will help retain the supply of heritage skills needed to protect Lincolnshire buildings.

Money raised from National Lottery players will go towards training people in the skills to restore and protect historic buildings in Lincolnshire.

A four year Historic Environment Skills project has been handed a grant of £585,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The funding will go towards teaching traditional and specialist skills to people who don’t currently have the experience.

Some 21 trainees will be funded through a partnership between Lincolnshire County Council’s Heritage Skills Centre at Lincoln Castle, Heritage Trust Lincolnshire and Lincoln Cathedral.

NVQ standard training will include traditional building skills, archaeology, managing a building conservation project and community engagement. It will also open up possible employment opportunities.

The project aims to engage with thousands of people through outreach events and invite at least 100 people to take part in taster sessions.

Councillor Nick Worth. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Councillor Nick Worth, Executive Member for Culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It’s vitally important we pass on these skills to help protect our historic buildings for future generations. We’re extremely grateful to the HLF for their generous support.

“So if you’re good with your hands, have an eye for detail and fancy a career change, we’d love to hear from you.”

All partners will be placement hosts alongside a group of small heritage construction firms and individual crafts people.

Carol Heidschuster, Works Manager at Lincoln Cathedral, added: “We are delighted that the cathedral will be able to benefit from this funding and continue to develop the skills required to maintain our beautiful built heritage.”

Anyone wishing to express an interest in the project should contact Amy Knychala at the Heritage Skills Centre on 01552 552434 or via [email protected]