First CSCS Heritage Skills Cards Awarded

The first three heritage-endorsed CSCS cards were issued to Kevin Ludlam, William Ellison and David King of Sheffield-based fibrous plastering company Troika in early October 2008.

ConstructionSkills' Heritage and Conservation Manager Seamus Hanna said: “These craftsmen have received this endorsement by acheiving the Heritage Skills NVQ Level 3 and by demonstrating their ability to work competently and safely within the heritage sector. They are to be congratulated for this fantastic achievement and for setting a benchmark for others to follow."

For existing craftspeople it's possible to achieve the heritage endorsement to the CSCS card via Managed Industry Accreditation, but for a limited time only. The National Heritage Training Group (NHTG) is working in partnership with CSCS on the validation process for this card.

The presentation of the first two heritage-endorsed cards to be issued under this route took place at the NHTG Regional Heritage Skills Action Group Conference at Alnwick Castle on November 11 2008. Charlie Catlow and Alan Foster, both of Historic Property Restoration Limited (HPR), were the recipients.

The setting was particularly appropriate as the company is involved in a long-standing programme of masonry conservation and repair work to the Duke of Northumberland’s building – used for filming scenes from the Harry Potter films.

English Heritage has taken the lead in endorsing the Heritage Skills NVQ Level 3 and CSCS Heritage Skills card. It is demanding that all craftspeople undertaking conservation, repair, maintenance and restoration on their 400-plus properties and sites will be working towards this card by 2010.

Cadw, Welsh Assembly Government has similarly endorsed the qualification and the CSCS card for those working on pre-1919 buildings in Wales.

“It is expected that other heritage bodies and organisations with responsibility for pre-1919 buildings will follow suit” said Seamus.

Find out more about the CSCS Heritage Skills card here.