Historic Churches 2023

16 BCD SPECIAL REPORT ON H ISTOR I C CHURCHE S 30th ANNUAL ED ITION Although primarily designed to support the development of cathedral crafts people, since 2019 we have been able to admit a small number of students from commercial contractors to each cohort. T he CWF training programme is unique in that it involves collaboration between the 13 Anglican cathedrals drawing on a vast pool of talent and expertise. These cathedrals are some of England’s most significant historical landmarks and house many national treasures. The craftsmen and women working in these cathedrals understand the importance of maintaining these treasures and in coming together to design a higher-level training course, that ensures the sustainability of the specialised skills required for the maintenance and conservation of these buildings, the impact is profound. One of the reasons for the success of the CWF is its commitment to a traditional approach to training. The organisation recognises the value of the ‘master to apprentice’ method, where experienced craftsmen pass on their knowledge and skills to the next generation. This approach emphasises the importance of learning in the workplace, where apprentices can gain hands-on experience and receive guidance and support from experienced professionals. The pandemic has had a significant impact on cathedrals. In March 2020 most cathedral staff, including students and tutors, were furloughed for an indefinite period and the future of the training programme looked uncertain (Historic England’s impact on heritage training and Covid debate – http://bc-url.com/hc23s2a) . However, the CWF was fortunate to receive emergency funding from Historic England which sustained them through the early stages of the pandemic. They then secured a major grant for a five-year craft training project which aims to deliver training to a minimum of 55 trainees across the CWF network over five years. At the midpoint of the project, this year, they have thirty students in training from Level 2 through to Level 5 and are on target to meet the project’s objectives. The CWF has been a vital organisation in the preservation of England’s historic ecclesiastical buildings. Its approach to training is highly valued and widely recognised as a model for heritage craft training and development, gaining a reputation as a leader in the field of heritage crafts. The organisation has been fortunate to draw on the expertise of England’s most senior craft practitioners, enabling them to establish a ‘virtual institution’ to safeguard and further develop education and training in traditional crafts. This model has the potential to contribute more widely to heritage craft training, and the organisation is well placed to lead the sector on a heritage craft training excellence marque. The preservation of historic buildings requires a skilled workforce that has a deep understanding of traditional materials, techniques and methods. The techniques used in conservation require specialised knowledge that can only be gained through longstanding practical experience and training. Without a skilled workforce, it is impossible to ensure the proper preservation and conservation of historic buildings. These buildings require careful maintenance and repair, and without skilled craftsmen and women it is difficult to guarantee good project delivery. This is becoming an increasing problem as many of these buildings are reaching a point where they require extensive renovation and repair work. To address this issue, there is a need for an impactful increase in traditional craft skills training in the UK. This involves investing in apprenticeships and training programmes that will enable the next generation of craftsmen and women to learn the skills required to preserve our cultural heritage. This will not only ensure the permanence and preservation of our most important cultural heritage centres across the UK, but it would also create sustainable building use and cost- effective maintenance of these wonderful pieces of architecture. MICHAEL SHEPPARD ACR MCIOB is an architectural conservator and deputy director of the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship. With 20 years of experience in historic building conservation and project management, he has managed renowned restoration projects across the UK, including Lincoln Cathedral’s west front scheme. CWF students visiting Canterbury Cathedral Journey Project, sharing knowledge and expertise in 2022 Salisbury roof tour for student tuition in joinery techniques