Culture And Memory

Heritage Skills Taster Days

Sussex Heritage Trust (SHT) is committed to preserving traditional heritage skills essential for maintaining historic places and landscapes. Due to an ageing workforce, a declining number of practitioners, and a lack of investment in training opportunities, the future of building conservation is at risk. To address this, SHT launched a pilot in 2024 to create supported career pipeline opportunities for young people (aged 16-25), including taster sessions to funded training to apprenticeships in sustainability and heritage careers. The pilot demonstrated both industry demand and the ability to provide opportunities to those facing barriers to learning. SHT aim to expand this proof-of-concept into a multi-year programme, engaging more young people, especially those facing educational/socio-economic barriers, by offering them pathways into building conservation careers. By aligning with local industry needs, SHT will ensure the future of heritage preservation, by providing young people essential skills and opening-up rewarding career opportunities in the sector.