The B&CE Charitable Trust have granted CarringtonLIME Heritage Skills Training C.I.C their Construction Employability Award 2024/25
The Gloucestershire heritage programme’s award grants £20,000 for the training of an extra 50 students in lime plastering.
CarringtonLIME specialises in heritage construction and skills training, especially in lime plastering.
The only training provider offering a career in lime plastering
CarringtonLIME trains around 300 students per year in lime plastering – an ancient art thought to be used as far back as 7,000BC – equipping them with essential heritage construction skills.
The award from B&CE Charitable Trust is intended to support the development of skills and talent in this part of the construction sector, boosting heritage skills to maintain historic buildings.
The award also recognises excellence as a business, including mental health support, and prioritises diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Last month, the Natwest-group released statistics showing that the UK has a strong demand for retrofit skills, often linked to heritage work, with their own retrofit skills programme engaging with 1,844 companies and 4,668 individuals in just one year.
“There is a national shortage of heritage building skills”
Faye Sewell, corporate relationship manager for the Charitable Trust, said: “The award’s judges were impressed with the significant impact that CarringtonLIME Heritage Skills Training C.I.C has on the heritage industry, both locally and nationally, and it is fantastic to see the company continue to encourage training and employment in this area of construction.
“There is a national shortage of heritage-building skills here in the UK, so it is particularly exciting that the award will be used to enable students to gain the skills and confidence they need to begin and continue successful careers in lime plastering. It is vital that these labour skills are not lost forever.”
Kate Kerslake, the director of CarringtonLIME said: “Our goal is to get more skilled tradespeople on the ground, and that’s why receiving this award is so fantastic – it’s about getting people into the industry through fully funded training and qualifications.
“The UK is facing a shortage of heritage skills, and while we are already making significant strides in addressing this issue, we know there’s more to be done to break down training and financial barriers. We want to give people a step up, helping them start their journey in the right way with a clear career path forward.
“With this award, we will be able to offer more people a qualified route into the heritage industry, whether they’re a school leaver, a career changer, or someone with 25 years of experience but no formal qualifications. This award will have a big impact on both the local industry and beyond.”
