Brighton MET students explore heritage skills at Weald & Downland Museum 

Students from Brighton MET College had the opportunity to take part in a Heritage Skills Taster Day at Weald & Downland Living Museum in Chichester earlier this term.  

Students from Chichester College and Crawley College also took part in the event, gaining hands-on experience in traditional building crafts. The day was designed to inspire the next generation of builders to explore exciting career opportunities in building conservation.

The Sussex Heritage Trust, which organised the event, is a registered charity established in 1977 to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural landscape of Sussex.

Chichester College Group (CCG) partnered with the Sussex Heritage Trust for the taster day, which was funded by the South Downs National Park Authority, the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, and The Swire Charitable Trust.

This year’s event built on the success of last year’s pilot project, where 27 students were introduced to heritage skills, with 11 awarded bursaries for further training. This year, the day grew to 39 students from Brighton Metropolitan College, Chichester College, and Crawley College.

On the day students had the opportunity to have a go at four different building crafts, including practical timber repairs, brickmaking, hurdle making, and the wattle and daub technique, which was used in heritage pottery making.

Many students, primarily from carpentry, bricklaying, and construction skills courses, enjoyed the opportunity to try their hand at these traditional heritage crafts.

Jacob, a student from Brighton MET College, said: “It’s been a really enjoyable day…it’s been lovely!”

Alfie, also from Brighton MET College, added “It’s a really worthwhile experience – if you get the chance, definitely take it.”

All students who attended the Taster Day will have the opportunity to further their learning through the Sussex Heritage Trust Bursary Scheme, which funds short courses in building conservation and connects young people with local employers.

Helen Reeve, CEO of the Sussex Heritage Trust, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
We were thrilled to build on the success of last year’s pilot project and welcome even more young people to this year’s Heritage Skills Taster Day.

“The preservation of Sussex’s historic buildings and landscapes depends on a new generation of skilled craftspeople. Expanding into Brighton & Hove this year was a crucial step in reaching more young people and offering them this invaluable opportunity. We are immensely grateful to our partners at the Weald & Downland Living Museum and Chichester College Group for their support in making this event a success.”

To learn more about the Sussex Heritage Trust and Heritage Skills Taster Day, and the educational bursaries supporting young people in building conservation, visit www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk