36 Y e a r b o o k 2 0 1 1 first time, quantified demand, supply and training provision within the sector. The work of the NHTG has thus been pivotal in moving traditional building craft skills from a small, under-represented sector focussing on the high-end of building conservation and with no real influence, to being integrated as a respected and valued part of mainstream construction. The NHTG’s policies and actions are underpinned by ten guiding principles, known as the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’, as set out on page 35. Knowledge of traditional building materials and the right practical skills and expertise are essential for the proper repair and maintenance of the 6.25 million pre-1919 buildings in the UK, including the 700,000 buildings that are listed or otherwise protected by legislation. Co-ordinated action by the NHTG since 2008 has concentrated on bridging skills and knowledge gaps throughout the wider built heritage sector including general builders undertaking this type of work without suitably skilled and experienced craftspeople. Recent initiatives undertaken to improve training in the sector include: • The Level 3 Diploma in Heritage Skills Formerly the Heritage Skills NVQ Level 3, this qualification has been developed specifically for craftspeople in this sector without a qualification. It is achieved via on-site assessment and training and by the candidate accruing work-based evidence related to the Level 3 units of the specific craft occupation. It is tested via a series of question and answer sets to establish candidates’ knowledge and determine their competency. • ConstructionSkills’ new Heritage Specialist Apprenticeship Programme The programme, designed for the heritage craft occupations, comprises up to 30 days off-the-job training with the remainder of the course undertaken in-company, with the trainee assessed for the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills. It is aimed at helping those with a mainstream NVQ Level 2 or NVQ Level 3 to progress into this sector by following a programme tailored to the craft occupation and employer’s needs. • The Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme for England and Wales This HLF-funded scheme provides (until March 2012) workbased training and skills development, and trainees can work towards the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills. However, lack of qualifications or direct relevant experience precludes a wider target group from benefitting from this scheme. • The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Training and qualifications have been reorganised under the current government with the launch of the QCF in December 2010. Qualifications are divided into awards, certificates or diplomas according to the number of credits required.This will allow flexibility to transfer units and qualifications by using accredited heritage skills learning. NVQs will be retained within the QCF award, certificate or diploma titles.The most relevant of these for the built heritage sector is the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills. • Training the Trainers This series of programmes has been designed to upskill FE college construction lecturers to teach and assess the new heritage qualifications. • New foundation degree courses These new foundation courses have been designed for building conservation levels 4 and 5 with the opportunity for successful candidates to progress to BSc and MSc levels. • QCF546Working on Conservation and Restoration Projects • This new module has been designed for use in short courses as an introduction to conservation. • New NVQ Level 4 Qualifications A new suite of senior crafts qualifications or master craft certificates for NVQ Level 4 has been developed. In addition to these training initiatives, other recent developments include: • the creation of an English regional network of heritage skills action groups and academies with regional heritage skills co-ordinators in post • the awarding to the NHTG of the largest single grant (£1.27 million) under the new HLF programme ‘Skills for the Future’ for the provision of heritage skills training opportunities to be delivered across England between 2011 and 2014 • the piloting of ‘Training and Works’ contract clauses to ensure that comprehensive heritage skills training is built into the contract documentation whenever the majority of the works are funded from the public purse. • the development of a heritage skills register containing craftspeople with the relevant heritage experience and qualifications which will be used by heritage bodies to ensure that only those properly qualified will be selected for heritage works contracts in future • the establishment of a network of heritage craft skilled mentors. The list of initiatives and other activities provided in this article is not exhaustive but it gives a flavour of the complex and dynamic educational environment that the NHTG engages with. These achievements are made possible by the vast amount of work undertaken by the NHTG executive and officers (largely on a voluntary basis), the efforts and commitment of the English regional co-ordinators and the unstinting support of the NHTG’s partner organisations. Further Information The Traditional Building Craft Skills – Skills Needs Analysis reports can be accessed on the NHTG website at http://www.nhtg.org.uk/nhtginitiatives/ index.aspx. The NHTG helpline number is 0300 456 5517. Paul Simons is NHTG chair and a director of timber frame specialist McCurdy & Co Ltd. He trained as an architect at the Architectural Association, London and was a SPAB Lethaby Scholar in 1976. He was project director for the Bath Spa Project and has also been chairman of the Vivat Trust. He is a member of the IHBC, ICOMOS and National Trust. A young visitor at the Building Crafts College stand at the London Skills Fair 2010 (Photo: The Building Crafts College)
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