The Heritage Lottery Fund\u2019s (HLF) Skills for the Future programme is open to applicants (1) as of Wednesday 2 December.<\/p>\n
This new \u00a35million grant programme will deliver up to 1,000 paid training opportunities for people across the UK seeking a career in heritage. \u00a0It will not only support traditional conservation training but also a wide variety of skills needed to engage people with heritage and utilise new media and technology.<\/p>\n
Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the HLF, said: \u201cMore than ever in these difficult times, HLF wants to focus on offering people skills that will give them a future career and at the same time meet the needs of the sector. I believe passionately that heritage can play a significant part in the UK\u2019s economic recovery. This \u00a35million commitment will ensure our heritage is protected for the future and represents a hugely exciting chance to attract people who might not usually consider a career in the heritage sector.\u201d<\/p>\n
Skills for the Future will help equip organisations to engage with the widest possible range of people and inspire them to get involved with heritage. \u00a0Its focus is on vocational learning. \u00a0It will train people in how to best work with families, schools, young people and communities and teach the skills needed to use new technology to bring heritage sites and collections alive for new audiences. Skills for the Future will also help meet the skills gaps identified by heritage conservation bodies.<\/p>\n
Organisations will be able to apply for funding \u2013 from \u00a3100,000 to \u00a31million – for a number of traineeships over a period of up to five years with an emphasis on high-quality work-based training. \u00a0There is only one opportunity to apply and the closing date is 19 March 2010 with awards being made in May 2010.<\/p>\n
Skills for the Future is complementary to HLF\u2019s Training Bursary Programme which is already delivering a wide range of skills training – including blacksmithing, botanic gardening, stone masonry, gold leafing and thatching. \u00a0HLF recently announced that it was helping seven projects (2) under the programme with an additional \u00a32.85m investment for placements that will provide accredited work-based training with highly-skilled crafts people and environmental specialists.<\/p>\n
Notes to Editors \u2022The 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 in horticulture.<\/p>\n \u2022The Institute of Archaeologists has been awarded \u00a3355,000 for 20 archaeology placements across the UK.<\/p>\n \u2022ICON (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 ceramics.<\/p>\n \u2022The Traditional Building Skills for England and Wales Scheme, run by English Heritage and the National Trust, has been awarded \u00a3500,000 for 56 placements.<\/p>\n \u2022The 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.<\/p>\n \u2022The 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 and species.<\/p>\n \u2022The LEMUR Scheme, run by Herefordshire Nature Trust, has been awarded \u00a3331,600 to help 18 trainees learn natural heritage conservation skills.<\/p>\n For further information:<\/p>\n Please contact Katie Owen or Ali Scott, HLF Press Office, on tel: (020) 7591 6036\/6032 Out of office hours mobile: 07973 613820.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Heritage Lottery Fund\u2019s (HLF) Skills for the Future programme is open to applicants (1) as of Wednesday 2 December. This new \u00a35million grant programme will deliver up to 1,000 paid training opportunities for people across the UK seeking a … Continue reading
\n(1) Online guidance and pre-application forms are available at www.hlf.org.uk<\/a>
\n(2) The seven projects are:<\/p>\n