Team Force At the Heritage Skills Initiative 2008
Initiated by the North East Heritage Environment Forum and hosted by North of England Civic Trust, the Heritage Skills Initiative (HSI) has identified how severe the skills shortage is in the region and how the region is responding to that shortage. It has determined ways of stemming the increasing heritage skills shortage by examining opportunities, raising awareness and creating the training and partnership opportunities needed to address the shortages in those trades required to restore and maintain the historic environment. The HSI has examined the sector through mapping current training, the present skills base and demand for skills in the region, and is in the process of creating opportunities for training, increasing awareness of the heritage sector and developing an active and collaborative network across the region.
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Set in the stunning surroundings of the National Trust’s Gibside Estate on 11, 12 and 13 July 2008 and opened by John Grundy, the North East Heritage Skills Fair was a resounding success, attracting (despite the weather!) around 400 visitors over the 3 days, including 15 school parties, with 72 regional and national demonstrators and exhibitors. Visitors were given the rare opportunity to not only observe the region’s crafts people in action, but actually roll up their sleeves and have a go.
Reference: North of England Civic Trust