Communities Minister announces new Heritage Skills Apprenticeships
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons today announced the opening of the Heritage Skills Apprenticeships programme, the first recruitment of its kind to be launched by the Department since 2000.

Five apprentices will join Historic Environment Division’s Conservation Works Team, learning traditional skills which will support the conservation of state monuments in the Department’s care.
Minister Lyons welcomed the recruitment saying:
“I recognise how important these vital skills in the heritage sector are to develop the expertise needed to restore and maintain the spectacular historic environment we have here in Northern Ireland. Skills development and ongoing training in traditional techniques ensure we are reinforcing a workforce which will be able to meet the changing needs of and growing challenges facing the heritage sector.”
Apprenticeships are available for one blacksmith, two stonemasons and two conservation joiners and each apprentice will work under a heritage skills master craftsperson to learn long-established techniques which have been passed down through the generations.
Minister Lyons adds:
“These apprenticeships can create long term careers for individuals interested in the heritage sector. Not only will the apprentices work towards a professional qualification, they will have the opportunity to work on historic monuments and buildings which were created centuries ago and which form the fabric of our local history. By fostering these skills, we can protect our historic heritage into the future and create new career opportunities which will transform the lives of those who take part.”
The apprentices will be based at the Northern Ireland Heritage Skills Centre, based within the Department for Communities’ Conservation Works Team in Moira. Apprentices will learn skills under the master / apprentice model and successful applicants will work on the maintenance, conservation and preservation of over 180 State Care sites, as well as undertaking a three-year Level 3 professional qualification in Heritage Skills.
For more information on how to apply and to find out more visit the NICS recruitment website . The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 14 February 2025.
Notes to editors:
- For media enquiries please contact the Department for Communities Press Office via email
- Follow the Department on Communities NI (@CommunitiesNI) / X(
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.