Historic Welsh structures face a significant shortfall in skilled professionals
In Wales, there is a growing concern about the preservation of traditional buildings, many of which are facing the brunt of age and a lack of skilled workers to maintain them. The Welsh government, along with its partners, is taking active steps to address this issue.
Carmarthenshire Council member Nell Hellier recently stated that Wales is home to half a million traditional buildings, a testament to the country's rich architectural heritage. However, the lack of staff with the necessary skills to repair these structures has put them in danger.
To combat this, the Welsh government, in collaboration with Qualifications Wales, is developing specialized training programs, enhancing apprenticeships, promoting industry partnerships, and integrating traditional craft skills into modern qualification frameworks. The aim is to support traditional building craft apprenticeships and ensure the preservation of these historic structures.
One such initiative is the collaboration with Cadw, where the focus is on addressing the issues faced in repairing old buildings. A recent example is the three-year, multi-million-pound project to repair the roof of Brecon's 1,000-year-old cathedral in Powys. Despite the project's launch, finding the right stone to replace roof tiles and skilled craftspeople to carry out the job has proven challenging.
Recognizing the importance of understanding the unique requirements of heritage buildings, the new Welsh construction curriculum now includes a brief introduction to this subject. Moreover, the Tywi Centre, where Cllr Hellier works, offers specialist training and advice on skills essential for maintaining historic buildings.
Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to improve the country's ability to retain its old buildings. The majority of buildings in Wales, constructed before 1919, are made of stone, adding to the complexity of preservation efforts. However, with ongoing efforts to raise the profile of traditional building skills in Wales, there is hope for the future of these historic structures.
In conclusion, while the preservation of Wales' traditional buildings faces numerous challenges, the Welsh government and its partners are taking active steps to address these issues and ensure the continued existence of these architectural gems.
