A collaboration between The King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council and the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division (HED) which aims to elevate individuals within the construction sector to the status of master craftspeople.
A collaboration between The King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council and the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division (HED) which aims to elevate individuals within the construction sector to the status of master craftspeople.
Many of our traditional skills are in danger of being lost. The All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme aims to address the shortage of skilled craftspeople in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland by providing training in heritage building skills for those already working in the construction sector. These skills, such as stonemasonry, carpentry, joinery, bricklaying, blacksmithing, plastering, thatching, roofing, tiling, painting, and decorating are needed for the conservation, repair and maintenance of historic buildings and structures in Ireland. Additionally, the programme aims to showcase the substantial contribution that traditional craft skills can make in shaping and creating new spaces and places.
The programme is not an entry-level programme, to be successful in gaining a place on the course, candidates must have prior experience in their craft area of choice, either via college or onsite working experience.
In the video below recent graduate Hannah Glass speaks about her experience as a participant in the programme.
The programme offers a 12-month course which supports those working in the construction sector to push their skills to the next level and continue on their journey to becoming the next generation of traditional master craftspeople.
Participants gain hands-on experience in traditional building techniques, conservation, and repair, along with interdisciplinary training through residential schools, industry placements and collaborative projects. Additionally, they have the opportunity to pursue a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills (Construction), further enhancing their expertise and credentials in the field.
The Programme is delivered across different locations in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
Each year the programme hosts up to a maximum of 8 participants. Participants are selected via a process of application, shortlisting, and interview. A call-out for applications is announced annually in February/March with the course typically commencing in mid-July of that year. Successful applicants are awarded a full scholarship and will be provided with a monthly bursary to help cover the cost of travel and accommodation.
The 2025/26 All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme is now open for applications
Applicants should complete this application form on The King's Foundation Website by the 11th of April 2025.
View the Programme Overview for a full outline of the course components and timescales.
Please send all applications and enquiries to the Programme Coordinator Michael Goodger michael.goodger@kings-foundation.org
The deadline for receipt of applications is Fri 11th of April 2025.
If you are interested in joining the scheme this year, join us for one of our information webinars on zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86153677055 Meeting ID: 861 5367 7055
Lunchtime Session - Friday 21st March 2025 : 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Evening Session - Tuesday 25th March 2025 : 7pm – 8pm
Congratulations to the first course graduates of the All Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. Ollie Flood (Blacksmith), Hannah Glass (Decorative Finisher), Anthony Duignan (Joiner), Jack Murphy (Blacksmith) Mary Hallinan (Blacksmith) and Emmanuel Buule (Joiner).
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