New mixed heritage skills apprenticeship introduced

Walford and North Shropshire College (WNSC) and Stiperstones and Corndon Hill Country Landscape Partnership Scheme are delighted to announce the launch of a new Mixed Heritage Skills Apprenticeship. The two organisations are working together to develop the new Apprenticeship with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Joy Howells, Scheme Manager for the Landscape Partnership Scheme said “we are really excited to finally be able to launch the new Mixed Heritage Skills Apprenticeship programme locally and would urge any interested businesses or young people, who are looking to forge a career in the countryside, to contact Catriona at WNSC for more information”.

If you are a local heritage employer and would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, there is an event being held on Thursday 19th March at Bishops Castle Town Hall between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, and we would urge you to come along, find out more and network with similar business owners and project staff.

Mr Huffer from Ron Huffer fencing said “I am delighted to be able to offer a Mixed Heritage Skills Apprenticeship placement as I know that not only are we passing on the vital heritage skills to a new generation but also the apprentice will be bringing new skills and knowledge to my business that will allow diversity and growth. I would encourage any Heritage business to consider this amazing opportunity”

The new Apprenticeship crosses several vocational areas, such as: agriculture, countryside management, gamekeeping, forestry and heritage construction. No single employer is expected to take on one of the new apprentices full time, as the concept is to share each apprentice between a range of employers to maximise their learning opportunities.

Chris Stokes from Stokes of England said “I have blacksmithed all over the world and been engaged with many projects nationally and internationally. It is imperative that Heritage Skills are passed on and this project does this. I am looking forward to introducing the craft to the participants through their journey with the scheme.”

The College’s Mixed Heritage Skills Co-ordinator and Assessor, Catriona Learmont, will liaise with all employers to identify a full work programme for each of the apprentices, taking into consideration work availability, training opportunities and seasonality.

Phil Ridley, Manager of WNSC Enterprise and Development Department (Ent & Dev) commented ‘The new Mixed Heritage Skills apprenticeship is a unique and flexible opportunity for employers to have a trainee on a part-time basis learning skills to help their business to move forward. As they progress through their training they will also bring with them a range of skills which could open up new opportunities for their business to grow.’