Students from across CCG come together to learn about heritage skills and conservation

Students from across the Chichester College Group (CCG) came together earlier this term to take part in a Heritage Skills Taster Day at Weald & Downland Living Museum in Chichester.

Taking place on 19 March, the event allowed students to gain hands-on experience in traditional building crafts vital to the future of conservation and was designed to inspire them to explore exciting career opportunities in building conservation.

The Sussex Heritage Trust, which organised the event, is a registered charity established in 1977 to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural landscape of Sussex.

Chichester College Group partnered with the Sussex Heritage Trust for the taster day, which was funded by the South Downs National Park Authority, the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, and The Swire Charitable Trust.

This year’s event built on the success of last year’s pilot project, where 27 students were introduced to heritage skills, with 11 awarded bursaries for further training. This year, the day grew to 39 students from Brighton Metropolitan College, Chichester College, and Crawley College.


On the day students had the opportunity to have a go at four different building crafts, including practical timber repairs, brickmaking, hurdle making, and the wattle and daub technique, which was used in heritage pottery making.

Many students, primarily from carpentry, bricklaying, and construction skills courses, enjoyed the opportunity to try their hand at these traditional heritage crafts.

Jacob, a student from Brighton MET College, said: “It’s been a really enjoyable day…it’s been lovely!”

Alfie, also from Brighton MET College, added “It’s a really worthwhile experience – if you get the chance, definitely take it.”

Macey, from Chichester College, expressed excitement about wattle & daub, saying: “I’ve been looking forward to this all day!”

One student from Crawley College said the day had given him the ambition to learn more about heritage skills and pursue further training.

All students who attended the Taster Day will have the opportunity to further their learning through the Sussex Heritage Trust Bursary Scheme, which funds short courses in building conservation and connects young people with local employers.


Neil Redman who co-ordinated the students from Chichester College said:
“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and pride the students showed as they applied themselves to these skills.

“By promoting these new opportunities, we are enhancing the ambitions of our students to pursue further training and employment in heritage skills – we can’t wait for the next taster day!”

Helen Reeve, CEO of the Sussex Heritage Trust, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
We were thrilled to build on the success of last year’s pilot project and welcome even more young people to this year’s Heritage Skills Taster Day.

“The preservation of Sussex’s historic buildings and landscapes depends on a new generation of skilled craftspeople. Expanding into Brighton & Hove this year was a crucial step in reaching more young people and offering them this invaluable opportunity. We are immensely grateful to our partners at the Weald & Downland Living Museum and Chichester College Group for their support in making this event a success.”

To learn more about the Sussex Heritage Trust and Heritage Skills Taster Day, and the educational bursaries supporting young people in building conservation, visit www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk .