Building Skill in Craft
Educating through apprenticeships; advancing traditional craftsmanship.
Length: 8 months
Our course gives practical experience in sustainable building crafts and an opportunity to gain a Heritage Skills NVQ 3. This is an opportunity to gain the skills necessary to succeed in a career in the traditional building sector.
We equip professionals graduates and the public with the skills they need to design, build and preserve sustainable communities.
Te programe comprises an intensive, three-week Building Skill in Summer school; a short course on small business skills; a short course on retro-fitting old buildings; and seven months of work placements with master craftspeople on traditional new building schemes and conservation projects.
Prince Charles was concerned that traditional crafts were dying out across the UK. We think that it’s crucial to preserve these valuable skills before they’re lost. Passing on the wisdom and knowledge that we have built up over hundreds and thousands of years is so important.
Developing Craft Skills
Traditional craft skills are a living connection to our cultural heritage. Their sensitivity to place and materials also points the way forward to a more holistic future.
Our Building Skill in Craft Workers programme helps craftsmen develop their skills and understand how they fit into broader planning, design and building contexts. That puts timeless thinking at the heart of modern construction, from Knockroon to Jamaica.
Awarding Excellence
Whilst all of our Craft apprentices have unique talent. Every year we offer special recognition in the Hancocks Medal to the Apprentice who is judged to have excelled in technique and skill.
Craft Skills in the programme
Stonemasonry, carpentry, joinery, bricklaying, roofing and tiling, plastering, glazing, thatching, metalwork, stained glass, painting and decorating, horticulture and land crafts.
Who can apply?
We are looking for building craftspeople who want to bridge the gap between basic qualifications and becoming a master craftsperson.
We welcome applications from craftspeople who have studied any of a wide variety of building skills. All we ask is that that Applicants should have qualified with either:
- A United Kingdom NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or equivalent from a centre of vocational excellence
- An equivalent qualification in traditional building skills from a recognised authority
Successful applicants will be rewarded with an eight-month programme of courses and work placements, during which they will be given the opportunity to develop their craftsmanship and use their skills in a broad, holistic building context alongside other building professionals.
We’ll give our successful apprentices a monthly bursary to help them during the programme.
How to apply?
Download the application form from our website and either email Edith at crafts@princes-foundation.org or post it to our office.
Make sure you also include:
- A reference from a tutor or employee with their contact details
- Photocopies (Not originals) of all relevant academic or professional certificates
- A portfolio of your work. It should be a maximum of 10 pages long and can be a mix of photos and written work
It is recommended that you send your application by recorded delivery.
The closing date for completed applications is 2nd March 2012.
If you want to find out more before applying then Education manager Edith will be happy to help. You can contact Edith on 020 7613 8514, or crafts@princes-foundation.org
“I had the chance to combine my skills as a craftsman and passions as a designer. I enjoyed it so much.… it’s nice to hear a respected craftsman say that my design has to be built somewhere.”
-Jonathan Briggs, Building Craft Apprentice 2011/12