Launched in September 2023, these programmes provide hands-on training in craft and traditional skills, along with valuable work experience and employability coaching, to offer a new opportunity in heritage skills development.

Pre-apprenticeships offer a valuable pathway for individuals who may be unsure if an apprenticeship is right for them or those seeking to gain more experience before committing to a modern apprenticeship. Since their launch, the pilots have trained 36 individuals in key skills such as roofing, joinery, and stonemasonry, with a strong focus on employability. Some participants have already moved on to further apprenticeships or careers in traditional skills.

The announcement comes during Heritage Careers Week, a cross-sector campaign to showcase the diversity of career paths on offer within the heritage sector and inspire young people to pursue a career in heritage.

Sean Frost and Aidan Paterson, who took part in The Ridge Foundations’ course earlier this year, said: “It was a really interesting course, we liked the practical skills in particular and it was great to be part of a wee team. We have both gone on to become trainee stonemasons and without the programme we would not have known that this was the career for us.”

The success of the programme lies in the collaboration between HES, as funding body, and its project partners. Fife Council, Fife College, and The Ridge Foundations in East Lothian tailored the delivery based on their extensive experience and expertise in construction and traditional skills. To show conservation skills in action, HES organised visits for participants to some of Scotland’s most iconic heritage sites such as Stirling Castle, Dunfermline Abbey and Palace, Tantallon Castle, and Dirleton Castle.

Karyn McGhee, craft skills programme manager, based at HES’s dedicated building conservation centre The Engine Shed in Stirling, said: “These pilot projects have shown the incredible potential of pre-apprenticeships in attracting new talent to the heritage sector. Participants have gained invaluable practical experience and a qualification that will serve as a strong foundation for their future careers.” 

HES is working on plans to build on the success of the initial programmes and, in future, aims to expand pre-apprenticeship opportunities to broaden access to heritage skills training across Scotland. 

Robbie Reid, head of skills training and design at The Ridge Foundations, has been involved in leading both of the pilot courses in Dunbar.

He said: “We at TRF have been delighted to partner with HES on these programmes. We delivered the majority of the courses in-house and colleagues from across The Ridge provided a person-centred course, whereby we worked with and supported each of the participants to make sure they get the most out of the programme.

“This is invaluable in giving participants an insight into future careers in the heritage skills sector, which we are heavily involved in, as well as support and guidance from experienced professionals. All but one of our attendees has gone on to a role linked to what they learned on the most recent course, and we continue to provide support to all of those who have been involved.” 

Marion Molloy and Stewart Goldie, Fife Council employability officers, worked closely with Fife College and employers to deliver the pre-apprenticeships project.

They added: “The programme has been a transformative experience and journey for young people entering the world of work. Combining a real working environment with first-hand experience, upskilling with relevant training specific to the industry and achieving a college qualification, our young people were equipped with the tools to progress into apprenticeships, jobs and further education. The Craft Your Career programme is essential for our young people where they were provided with end-to-end support unlocking their potential and beginning their journey for the future.”