Our world-class apprenticeship programme – generously funded by 34 philanthropists to date – offers exceptional training opportunities in heritage crafts whilst contributing to the conservation and preservation of one of the most iconic buildings in the country. 

This is vital during a period where traditional heritage skills are not only scarce – they are becoming endangered and even extinct: Historic England has uncovered a 50% shortfall in the skills pool, which means that pre-1919 buildings are often worked on by general construction firms that donot have heritage expertise or qualifications. Without further action now, the skills necessary to care for our historic buildings may disappear, leaving these irreplaceable structures vulnerable to decay or loss. 

Your support will enable us to grow our apprenticeship programme. This will have a transformative effect for the individual apprentices, offering them the skills necessary for long-term, meaningful employment. It will also support the transfer of these traditional heritage craft skills to current and future generations, ensuring the survival of these integral skills to the heritage of the UK. 

“Apprenticeships at York Minster ensure that the long tradition of passing on the unique skills and knowledge of a master craftsperson will continue for future generations.  

 

“Alongside learning traditional crafts and conservation techniques, apprentices gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies, providing them with a wide range of tools to help combat some of the emerging challenges facing historic buildings. 

 

“It is a privilege to contribute to this critical endeavour by supporting a new stonemasonry apprenticeship at York Minster, the largest grant we have ever made.” 

 

– Paul Shepherd, Chairman of the Worshipful Company of Constructors Charitable Trust