The ongoing concern about a lack of diversity in the sector is being directly addressed by targeting people such as those from a BAME background, younger women, ex-offenders and veterans who may never have considered a career in heritage. 

[quote=Sir Peter Luff, HLF Chair]“The Skills for the Future programme can help drive successful and lasting change.”[/quote]

Sir Peter Luff, HLF Chair, said: “The Skills for the Future programme can help drive successful and lasting change. It’s simple yet highly effective: trainees paired with experts gain access to knowledge plus practical, paid, on-the-job experience.”

Eighteen projects supported

The 18 successful projects, reflecting the breadth of the UK’s heritage, include:

Dry Stone Walling Association (UK-wide reach) – £183,800

Eight people will be trained to in the craft of dry stone walling. No experience is required and ex-servicemen and ex-offenders will be among those prioritised in the recruitment process.

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways (FWHR), Wales - £464,000

Twenty trainees, many of whom will be women, under-25s and people from minority ethnic backgrounds, will learn essential skills to work on heritage railway visitor attractions.

Culture&: The New Museum School, London - £727,400

Thirty-four people will undertake placements at 22 organisations such as the Geffrye Museum and London Transport Museum. Priority candidates will be under 25, from BAME backgrounds or from lower socio-economic groups.

Blyth Tall Ship, North East - £679,000

Thirty-four people, many drawn from local communities, will have the opportunity to train as shipwrights in Blyth, Northumberland.

Delivering success

Skills for the Future delivers results.  It has a high success rate with 75% of trainees securing a job in heritage following their training.