Skills gap threatens historic site preservation

Heritage Open Days 2024, running from the 6th to the 15th of September, offers a unique annual opportunity to step back in time and explore England’s diverse and vibrant history, often with the ability to see places that are usually not open to the general public. 

For more than 30 years, this annual festival has celebrated our shared heritage, opening the doors to historic buildings, landmarks, and hidden gems across the country. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about your local area everyone is invited to connect with the past and appreciate the incredible stories in the buildings and landscapes around us.

However, Heritage Open Days is also a moment to reflect on the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations. As we gather to explore these sites, it’s crucial to acknowledge the urgent and growing skills gap in the UK’s construction and heritage sectors. This gap threatens the very existence of the historic sites we cherish, making it a pressing issue that needs immediate attention.

The Importance of Heritage Preservation

Historic buildings are not just relics of the past; they are living witnesses to our collective journey as a society. They provide a sense of identity, continuity, and stability in an ever-changing world. Yet, maintaining these structures requires a plethora of unique, increasingly scarce skills.

In recent years, the UK has seen a significant decline in skilled tradespeople entering the construction and heritage sectors. The UK Trade Skills Index 2023 highlights the urgent need for nearly a million new recruits in the next decade to meet construction and heritage conservation demand. Among these, specialist skills such as stonemasonry, carpentry, and conservation expertise are in particularly short supply.

This shortage is compounded by an ageing workforce, with many experienced professionals nearing retirement and too few apprentices to take their place. Without immediate action, the skills necessary to care for our historic buildings may disappear, leaving these irreplaceable structures vulnerable to decay or loss.

Bridging the Skills Gap: A Collective Effort

The good news is that efforts are being made to address this skills gap, and Heritage Open Days is the perfect platform to highlight these initiatives. Across the UK, heritage organisations, educational institutions, and industry bodies are working together to attract and train the next generation of heritage professionals.

Apprenticeships and specialised training programmes are being expanded to allow young people to learn traditional crafts and conservation techniques. These programmes are crucial for passing on the knowledge and skills required to maintain our historic buildings. For example, The Prince’s Trust, the Heritage Crafts Association, the SPAB, and other bodies promote traditional skills through grants, training opportunities, or awareness campaigns.  Likewise, the CIOB Heritage Advisory Committee, which I am a member of, has made the ‘skills gap’ one of our institute’s top priorities. 

Moreover, there’s a growing recognition of the need to incorporate modern technology and digital skills into heritage conservation. As the sector evolves, there’s an increasing demand for professionals who blend traditional craftsmanship with new techniques, such as digital scanning techniques for restoration works, retrofitting to PAS2030 or climate adaptation strategies to protect against environmental changes.

How You Can Get Involved

Heritage Open Days is an opportunity to support the future of our heritage. By participating, you can help raise awareness of the importance of preserving our historic buildings and the skills needed to do so. Whether attending a guided tour, exploring a historic site, or volunteering your time, every action helps keep our heritage alive.

Those interested in making a more lasting impact should consider exploring careers or volunteer opportunities within the heritage sector. With the skills gap widening, there is a growing need for passionate individuals to step forward and contribute to preserving our shared history. Many organisations offer training and apprenticeships, providing a pathway into this rewarding field.

Looking Ahead: A Positive Future

While the skills gap presents a significant challenge, today's efforts give us hope for the future. By investing in training, fostering collaboration between heritage bodies and educational institutions, and embracing new technologies, we can ensure that the knowledge and skills needed to care for our historic buildings are not lost.

Heritage Open Days 2024 is more than just a celebration of the past; it’s a call to action for the future. Together, we can bridge the skills gap, protect our historic buildings, and ensure that future generations can enjoy and learn from the rich tapestry of England’s history. So, please join us in this nationwide celebration of heritage, community, and the skilled craftsmanship that sustains it.

Dr. Christopher Moore is the Director of the Kingmere Group, overseeing both REDEC Refurbishment and Hillcest Conservation Consultants. With a strong background in heritage conservation, Christopher has played a pivotal role in preserving and restoring historic buildings through these companies and within boards of various charities. For a quarter of a century, Christopher has been actively involved in safeguarding the architectural heritage of the UK, drawing on a wealth of experience in the field, and is Senior Vice Chair of the CIOB Heritage Advisory Panel.