THE first apprentices in the UK have graduated on a unique new scheme to master traditional skills in an industry battling to replace more than 40,000 workers in the next ten years.

The Heritage Craft Alliance, based at Thorp Perrrow, near Bedale, runs the course and has warned that getting new young workers into the industry is crucial to ensure the survival of Britain’s heritage buildings.

The Traditional Skills Apprenticeship combines work placements with on site training and studying in carpentry and joinery or masonry. It means apprentices can become Heritage Gold Card Holders, opening up new opportunities and increasing earning potential.

The first apprentices Richard Pollitt, from Northallerton, Daniel Inglis, from County Durham and Luke McEnroe, from Swindon are all now employed.

Mr Pollitt, who is working for himself, said: "The course gave me in-depth knowledge of heritage construction, conservation and restoration.

"Alongside study we were given the flexibility to practice what we had learnt on a live site project. This award has given me the opportunity to gain knowledge and practical experience in the heritage construction industry.”

Stonemason Daniel Inglis from Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, is now working on a major refurbishment of part of Durham Cathedral with employers Historic Property Restoration.

Glenn Young, managing director of Heritage Craft Alliance, said: "Daniel’s determination to succeed in this field shone through and despite his first and second work placements not being long term, he continued to study hard and kept gathering evidence for his portfolio.”

He warned there is a desperate need to ensure young people are trained and educated in traditional skills, techniques, technology and materials.

“The need for conservation and restoration will always be there and with the average age of our present incumbents of traditional crafts being over 50 years, it’s not hard to see why we need to do this now.

"In ten years we will need to have replaced 40,000 skilled craftspeople to ensure the sector can survive and that our built heritage can be cared for properly.

"Not all bad news, as this means that there will be plenty of jobs for skilled young people entering the sector.

“I am particularly pleased that some young people can see the benefits of undertaking this quite strenuous qualification and can say that all three apprentices, apart from being really super guys, are really dedicated to their craft and will thrive with these new skills and knowledge from now on."

For information go to www.heritagecraftalliance.co.uk