A RECENT NELC Heritage Construction Skills and Careers event, held at King’s Hall, Cleethorpes, was hailed as a great success by attending teachers and students, who had the opportunity to find out more about a number of potential career options.
Organisers at North East Lincolnshire Council were excited to showcase some of the trades available to people in the area, and to introduce several of the organisations behind funding for many of our local projects, including Cyden Homes, Lincoln Cathedral Works Department, PMC Scaffolding, Ashbridge Roofing, and stonemason Paul Booth, famed locally for working on the Weelsby Woods lions.
Young people from Ormiston Maritime Academy, Cleethorpes Academy, Beacon Academy, and Cambridge Park Academy were able to observe and try hands-on construction skills and were able to talk to exhibitors about their crafts, and how they began working in their respective careers.
Inside King’s Hall, visitors were able to talk to staff from Heritage Lincolnshire, Lincoln College, Grimsby Institute, and OTE Construction Training, several of which have provided funding for the important heritage projects across North East Lincolnshire today.
Carol Heidschuster, NELC’s Townscape Heritage Project Manager for Cleethorpes regeneration, said: “We were delighted with how responsive the young people were to try out the different activities, opening their eyes to different careers, and I would like to thank all the tradespeople who joined us for the two-day event.
“Everyone was very enthusiastic, and the organisations were wonderfully patient with the young people, sharing details of their careers and encouraging them to have a go.
“We are already looking forward to next year and hope that more students from more schools will join us as we grow the event.”
Lincoln Cathedral Works Department were demonstrating stonemasonry, carpentry and leadwork, and baffled many students with their miniature stone arch, which they were able to construct using historic methods.
Matthew Tarling, Fundraising Manager at the Cathedral, said: “Lincoln Cathedral were delighted to attend the skills event in Cleethorpes. It was a wonderful opportunity for our team of heritage craftspeople to engage with young people, promoting the value of heritage crafts as a potential career opportunity.”
Samuel Hunter, a teacher at Cambridge Park Academy, said: “One of the best experiences for children that I have ever been to. The hands-on approach is amazing, and we have been blown away! Without doubt, the best school trip I have attended.”
Across greater Lincolnshire, work on historic buildings is being completed at a pace, with buildings being restored in North East Lincolnshire including Holme Hill clock tower, a waiting room and lodge at Scartho Cemetery, and Corporation Bridge. Across the wider area, buildings such as Lincoln Cathedral require ongoing work, as acid rain and wind erosion have destroyed much of the ancient stonework.
Each of these structures requires skilful people to ensure their longevity, for future generations to enjoy and as a reminder of our local history. This work has identified a need for people with the skills needed to do the work, with a major shortage nationally.
Councillor Philip Jackson, NELC leader and portfolio holder for economy, regeneration, devolution and skills, said: “I am delighted that this event was such a great success with the attending schools, and provided an insight into not only heritage and construction skills, but also those with an interest in our rich, local history.
“The event was also open to the public on the second day. Whether visitors left with a new career in mind or merely a greater appreciation of the skills needed to keep our heritage alive, the event was a success.”
Find out more about local building restoration at https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/heritage-and-conservation
The event was delivered as part of the Discover Cleethorpes Heritage Programme, supported and made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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