28/01/2025

New Traditional Heritage Skills Apprenticeships Available

Five new apprenticeships are available in traditional heritage skills, offering the opportunity to work on the conservation of state monuments across Northern Ireland.

The apprenticeships, which will be based at the Northern Ireland Heritage Skills Centre, will cover blacksmithing, stonemasonry, and joinery.

"I recognise how important these vital skills in the heritage sector are to develop the expertise needed to restore and maintain the spectacular historic environment we have here in Northern Ireland," said Minister Lyons.

The apprentices will work under the guidance of experienced master craftspeople, learning traditional techniques and contributing to the preservation of over 180 State Care sites.

"These apprenticeships can create long-term careers for individuals interested in the heritage sector," added Minister Lyons. "Not only will the apprentices work towards a professional qualification, they will have the opportunity to work on historic monuments and buildings which were created centuries ago and which form the fabric of our local history."
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Applications for the apprenticeships are now open and will close on Friday, 14th February 2025. Further information can be found on the NICS recruitment website.

Minister Lyons added: "These apprenticeships can create long term careers for individuals interested in the heritage sector. Not only will the apprentices work towards a professional qualification, they will have the opportunity to work on historic monuments and buildings which were created centuries ago and which form the fabric of our local history. By fostering these skills, we can protect our historic heritage into the future and create new career opportunities which will transform the lives of those who take part."

The apprentices will be based at the Northern Ireland Heritage Skills Centre, based within the Department for Communities' Conservation Works Team in Moira. Apprentices will learn skills under the master / apprentice model and successful applicants will work on the maintenance, conservation and preservation of over 180 State Care sites, as well as undertaking a three-year Level 3 professional qualification in Heritage Skills.

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