English Heritage, in association with the Construction Industry Training Board and the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG), has launched a business training plan aimed at encouraging more people to learn traditional building conservation crafts.

According to recent research, there are less than 40,000 people trained in specific skills like fibrous plastering and stone masonry as opposed to nearly 430,000 listed buildings in the UK, of which 1,500 are on the English Heritage register of buildings at risk.

The NHTG’s new business plan will co-ordinate and develop heritage craft training while reversing the labour deficit and meeting the skills needs of the future.

The NHTG was established in February 2003 and comprises contractors, heritage bodies, trade unions and training providers from across the UK, working together to develop a coherent training system for skills provision.

NHTG’s chair, David Linford, said: “This will provide the best chance to resolve the problem of building crafts skill shortages and to ensure rewarding jobs for future generations.” Details: www.english-heritage.org.uk