Knowsley Youngsters Becoming Craftspeople of the Future

Knowsley’s young people are learning about traditional building skills as part of an exciting heritage programme.

Over 20 pupils from Sir Edmund Arrowsmith School and Prescot School, enrolled on the young apprenticeship scheme in construction, are learning the traditional skills they need to conserve historic buildings.

Part of the Young Conservation Officers Group, the pupils have tested their hands at a variety of skills which will help to prepare them for potential careers in the heritage sector, particularly in the area of traditional building skills, where there is a national shortage.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills said:” The future of Knowsley’s heritage will soon become the responsibility of our young people and it’s important that they learn about the heritage and culture of the borough. By working with our young people to develop their skills in this area we are also giving them an advantage in an area of work where skilled people are in short supply.”

As part of the programme the young conservation officers have visited some fascinating buildings currently being restored, including St. Andrew’s Church in Liverpool and Victoria Baths in Manchester, to see the conservation first hand and talk to the craftspeople carrying out the work.

They also had the opportunity to work with a professional stone mason and try lime plastering, help National Trust rangers build defences to conserve the sand dunes at Formby and make tiles and a cob oven at Norton Priory.

There is currently a national shortage of skilled craftspeople and with this project Knowsley Council is providing young people with an understanding of the career choices in heritage and conservation and a head start in the competitive world of work.

“This programme has demonstrated that if we can provide interesting challenges for youngsters, it is likely that they will respond in a positive manner and often surprise us with what they achieve. Learning by doing is a great motivator, learning to work in ways developed by our ancestors in order to protect our environment for future generations was a definite hit for our Young Apprentices of today.” Charlie Marteau, lecturer at Knowsley Community College.

During the rest of the project Knowsley primary school pupils and construction students in Knowsley College will have the opportunity to learn about and try traditional building skills in other programmes within in the project ‘Look to the Future: Celebrate our Past’. 

Photo Caption: Cllr Morgan showing some of the work from the Year 10 Conservation Officers at St Edmund Arrowsmith School. From left to right: Jonathan McQuinn, Jordan Hughes, Ellis Winstanley, Michael Scales, Cllr Morgan, Mr Coyle Head of Year and Kieran Gaughan.

Comments

[ME]

U UGLY ALLIENS APART FROM THAT JORDAN XXX

[ME]

U UGLY ALLIENS APART FROM THAT JORDAN XXX

[ME]

U UGLY ALLIENS APART FROM THAT JORDAN XXX

[jack clarke]

SPUDD!!!! ye sister is a milffffff haaa fromm jack clarke

[jack clarke]

spud ye ugly basted

[ben o connor]

spud yeh fit from ben

[tina winstanley]

ellis its all u yeh turd