The CITB has joined forces with the Scottish government’s Historic Environment Scotland, Historic England and the Welsh Historic Environment Service (Cadw) to sign the Strategic Skills Partnership Agreement.

The agreement will launch an action plan to equip the construction industry with the right skills for the continued and sustainable use of traditional building stock.

Traditional buildings are defined as those built before 1919 and there are over 6.5 million across England, Scotland and Wales. 

The four partners will look to integrate the knowledge and skills required for working on traditional buildings into mainstream construction training by:

•    Supporting the reform of further education and apprenticeships to meet the needs of the heritage construction sector and boost apprenticeship numbers
•    Increasing the uptake of training related to traditional buildings leading to qualifications to match the individual’s skill level
•    Supporting employers to attract and retain people by setting out opportunities and entry routes that exist within the heritage construction sector.

Mark Noonan, industry relations director for CITB, felt this was a milestone agreement and one which was crucial to ensure it had the right skills to conserve, repair and maintain traditional building stock.

“We want young people to see that you can have a great career working with traditional buildings. 

“Indeed, our current apprentice of the year, Sophie Turner, is a stonemason who learnt her trade working on a medieval church.

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“Together with Historic Environment Scotland, Historic England and Cadw, we want many more young people to follow in her footsteps and help preserve these fantastic buildings for future generations to enjoy.”

Ken Skates, cabinet sectretary for economy and infrastructure, said he welcomed this agreement and the opportinity to work in partnership to deliver a shared vision for a well-trained and qualified workforce.

“I’m particularly keen to see the skills necessary to work on traditional, pre-1919 buildings integrated in mainstream construction training and for the long-term economic value of planned building maintenance and responsible energy efficiency retrofit to be better promoted across the board.” 

Chris Smith, director of planning at Historic England, added: “We are looking forward to working together to support the reform of apprenticeships to meet the needs of the heritage construction sector and boost apprenticeship numbers via the new Trailblazers in England.  

“Among other things, Historic England will be delivering on the action plan by offering training opportunities on the forthcoming repair project at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).” 

Dr David Mitchell, director of conservation at Historic Environment Scotland, concluded by saying access to knowledge, skills and materials were at the heart of ensuring traditional buildings continue to contribute to the sustainable growth of our economies.

“This agreement will ensure that we work together to help our colleagues in the construction industry equip themselves with the skills required to take our traditional buildings into the future.”