The launch of a new NVQ Level 3 in Heritage Skills is part of a package of measures to address the skills crisis in the built heritage sector. Thousands of new recruits are needed annually in order to meet the high level of demand for traditional heritage skills used in the repair and conservation of historic buildings.

Pre-1919 building stock forms a significant part of the built environment, representing 20% of the total building stock in England and Scotland and one-third in Wales, and in terms of sustainability it is imperative that these are appropriately maintained and repaired. Repair and maintenance on pre-1919 buildings is worth an estimated £5.2billion every year in England, Scotland and Wales, so it is a vital part of mainstream construction.

The new NVQ qualification is aimed at people already in the construction industry who want to develop new skills and knowledge relating to traditional building skills and materials. For the first time it also provides a relevant qualification for experienced craftspeople already working in the traditional build conservation, repair and maintenance sector.

Seamus Hanna, heritage & conservation manager, ConstructionSkills said: "Many of the specialist skills needed to preserve our built heritage, from traditional plasterwork and masonry repairs to dry stone walling and thatching, have declined through the latter half of the 20th century, creating the very real risk that they may die out completely. Until now qualifications in the heritage sector have often been very specialised and pathways for continued development for existing craftspeople have been limited. The new Heritage NVQ will offer a new pathway for potentially thousands of people and encourage them to stay in or enter this sector.”

Students will be able to start the course from September.