Sussex Heritage Trust

Sussex Heritage Trust’s Heritage Skills initiative is inspiring young people considering a traditional construction industry career to explore opportunities in the building conservation industry. Working with further education colleges in Chichester, Crawley, and Brighton, and with local employers, the programme first aims to increase awareness and understanding of heritage skills and potential career pathways through talks in the classroom and networking events with local companies.

 This is followed by a Taster Day which provides hands-on opportunities for around 40 students to experience practical skills in building conservation crafts. Supported by expert practitioners, each student can try their hand at different building conservation skills and trades, including brick making, wattle and daub, hurdle making, and practical timber repairs.

 Students wishing to continue are supported with further training and skills opportunities, including short courses in building conservation, and connections with heritage building firms and craftspeople.