The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) today announced seven projects, under its existing Training Bursary Programme, that are set to benefit from an additional \u00a32.85m investment. \u00a0This will deliver a wide range of skills training – including blacksmithing, botanic gardening, stone masonry, gold leafing and thatching \u2013 and immediately create over 220 additional training places. \u00a0These placements will provide accredited work-based training with highly-skilled crafts people and environmental specialists. \u00a0Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said:<\/p>\n
“We\u2019ve allocated this extra money because we wanted to make a real impact now, when it is needed most. \u00a0More than ever in difficult times, HLF wants to offer people skills that will give them a future career whilst also meeting the needs of the sector. \u00a0This investment will help make sure heritage skills are protected for the future and is designed to attract people who might not usually consider a career in heritage.”<\/p>\n
Schemes benefiting today are:
\n* The Historic and Botanic Gardens Scheme, a partnership of 17 heritage organisations led by English Heritage, has been awarded \u00a3338,000 to create 34 practical placements.
\n* The Institute of Archaeologists has been awarded \u00a3355,000 for 20 archaeology placements across the UK.
\n* ICON (The Institute of Conservation) has been awarded \u00a3490,000 for 20 bursary placements in the conservation of objects and collections – from books and textiles to metalwork and architectural details.
\n* The Traditional Building Skills for England and Wales Scheme, run by English Heritage and the National Trust, has been awarded \u00a3500,000 for 56 placements.
\n* The Masonry Conservation in Scotland and Northern Ireland Project, run by Historic Scotland, has been awarded \u00a3436,800 for 14 year-long and 50 short-term bursary placements.
\n* The Natural Talent Project, run by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), has been awarded \u00a3389,100 to offer training for 12 new apprentices to develop skills in the conservation of specialist habitats.
\n* The LEMUR Scheme, run by Herefordshire Nature Trust, has been awarded \u00a3331,600 to help 18 trainees learn about natural heritage conservation skills.<\/p>\n
HLF\u2019s \u00a37m Training Bursary Programme, originally launched in 2004, has been a resounding success, already providing over 300 people with high-quality on-the-job accredited training over a range of 50 skill sets. \u00a089% of those who completed placements in 2008-09 went on to secure jobs in the heritage sector.<\/p>\n
The additional funding announced today will be followed by a further \u00a35m for HLF\u2019s new programme, entitled \u2018Skills for the Future\u2019, to be launched in December 2009. \u00a0Also focussed on work-based training, \u2018Skills for the Future\u2019 will equip the heritage workforce with an even wider range of skills, for example, those needed to work with digital technologies or to open up heritage to new audiences. \u00a0Organisations interested in \u2018Skills for the Future\u2019 should call HLF\u2019s Information Team on 020 7591 6044\/6042.<\/p>\n
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