Building Firm Foundations: Brighton Met Students Explore Heritage Trades at The Repair Shop’s Home 

Construction students from Brighton MET College gained experience in traditional building skills during a heritage trades taster day at the Weald & Downland Living Museum, home of BBC’s The Repair Shop.  

Working alongside experts from the Sussex Heritage Trust, students explored techniques including repointing, flint work and heritage timber construction, while discovering the growing career opportunities available in the heritage sector where millions of traditional buildings across England require specialist skills and expertise. 

On the day, students were also able to meet and hear from skilled crafts personnel, and were able to watch them work, ask questions, and gain a first-hand insight into the techniques, knowledge and career opportunities associated with heritage trades. 

It comes as there are an estimated 5.5 million traditional buildings in England that require specific skills and expertise, according to Historic England. This shows a clear demand for workers trained in heritage skills. 

Students from the college were joined by peers from Chichester College, Crawley College and Northbrook College, as they received a day of practical activities, live demonstrations and an introduction to the world of heritage construction. 

The taster day formed part of an ongoing collaboration between the college and Sussex Heritage Trust, which has seen students take part in a number of heritage skills-focused events throughout the year.

Jane Grealish, Head of Learning for Construction and English and maths at Brighton MET College, said: 

“Our students gained a real appreciation for the skill, precision and craftsmanship involved in heritage construction. Experiences like this help bring learning to life, broaden students’ horizons and showcase the many career paths available within the construction industry.  

“We are grateful to Sussex Heritage Trust for continuing to provide such valuable opportunities for our learners.” 

Sarah Nute, Education Officer at the Sussex Heritage Trust, added:
“There is a significant shortage of heritage skills across the sector, putting our heritage at risk. The Sussex Heritage Trust Education Programme is about inspiring the next generation to explore careers in heritage and develop the skills needed to protect it for the future.

“We are thrilled to be working with Chichester College Group to introduce students to heritage careers, offering not just a taster day but opportunities for further training and practical work experience to help them take their first steps into the sector.”

To find out about the range of Construction and Trades courses available at the college, please click here. To book a place at one the college’s open event on Saturday November 21, please click here.