• Business
  • Business News
  • Video
  • Contact
Aycliffe Today
Aycliffe Today
  • Business
  • Business News
  • Video
  • Contact
  • Follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
Home
News

Learn heritage construction skills on free courses

August 31st, 2022 Martin Walker News 0 comments 0

People can learn traditional skills including hedge laying, dry stone walling and masonry as part of a series of free courses.

The Heritage Construction Skills Training programme is funded by Historic England and run on behalf of Bishop Auckland Heritage Action Zone by New College Durham. It aims to get individuals living or working in Bishop Auckland involved in the renovation of historic properties.

Durham County Council has helped make the courses possible in its capacity as a partner in both Bishop Auckland Heritage Action Zone and the Discover Brightwater Landscape Partnership.

There remains a shortage of people who have the traditional building skills to be able to carry out this type of work.

The courses, the first of which begin in September, are suitable for everyone. They can provide a first step for young people, students and apprentices looking to start a career in the trades.

Those with previous experience such as tradespeople, property developers and volunteer workers can use the courses to upskill.

Prospective learners can choose from a range of subjects including managing bats in historic buildings.

The lessons mix theory-based classroom learning with practical sessions on-site at historic buildings.

Stacey Seddon attended courses on managing bats, timber in historic buildings and dry stone walling.

The 34-year-old, from Croxdale, said: “The tutors were very knowledgeable and the courses had the perfect balance between theory and practical, hands-on experience.

“I especially enjoyed the timber in historic buildings course as I am wanting to pursue a career as a joiner in the heritage sector.”

Bishop Auckland Heritage Action Zone, run by Historic England and the council, is a five-year project to revitalise the historic market town and regenerate it as a vibrant place for local people, businesses and visitors.

The Heritage Action Zone forms part of the co-ordinated activity by the council and its partners to drive forward regeneration in Bishop Auckland.

The council has secured £19.9m of government funding for Bishop Auckland town centre through the Future High Streets Fund, with money earmarked for projects including a new bus station and additional car parking, as well as a scheme to bring vacant properties back into use.

A further £33.2m is heading to Bishop Auckland from the government’s Stronger Towns Fund, with the funding allocated to a range of regeneration projects across the town.

The aim is to attract an additional 1.5 million visitors to Bishop Auckland each year, substantially boosting County Durham’s visitor economy by £240m and creating almost 4,000 jobs.

Tens of millions of additional investment are also being made in the town by partner organisations such as The Auckland Project, which has committed £275m.

 

Share it!

Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest
Next article £20m plan to improve County Durham's EV infrastructure
Previous article Supporting County Durham companies to grow

Related News

News

Chaos reigns as Durham County Council announces new cabinet after just 100 days

The leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Andrew Husband, has announced details of his new cabinet, following...
News

Get on board with bus travel this September

Residents are being encouraged to take advantage of discount bus fares in County Durham as part of a...
News

PCC urges the public to play their part to stop drink and drug driving

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is backing a national charity’s efforts to increase reporting of...

LATEST VIDEO

This week on A.T

Sep 23rd 1:40 PM
Community

Fun and Food scheme benefits thousands of children in County Durham

Sep 22nd 4:18 PM
Business

NC Group: Building the future workforce of Aycliffe’s engineering sector

Sep 18th 4:49 PM
Sport

Newton Aycliffe Juniors round-up

Sep 18th 9:44 AM
Business

How Senstronics culture has nurtured life-changing career for Jack

Sep 17th 12:47 PM
Community

Helping to create thriving communities across County Durham

Sep 17th 10:30 AM
Business

Strategic expansion for family firm as industrial suppliers set up shop in Aycliffe

Sep 16th 9:01 PM
Sport

Aycliffe prepare for FA Trophy trip

Sep 16th 3:09 PM
News

Chaos reigns as Durham County Council announces new cabinet after just 100 days

Sep 16th 10:47 AM
Sport

Aycliffe Cricket round-up

Sep 15th 4:27 PM
Community

Newton Aycliffe school children celebrating new facilities

Recommend
Follow @AycliffeToday
  • Business
  • Business News
  • Video
  • Contact
  • Back to top
© Aycliffe Today 2019. All rights reserved.
Developed by Thrive

Get our latest news direct to your inbox every Friday - subscribe to our free e-newsletter today.

Subscribe Now