The plight of skilled craftsmen in this country has been well documented. With the Government’s plans for new and eco-friendly housing, will there be enough people with the necessary skills to lime the walls of listed cottages or repair centuries-old panelling?

A new initiative might be the answer. Funding to help craftspeople, trainees or career switchers is available through the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme, set up as a partnership between English Heritage, the National Trust, Cadw, ConstructionSkills and the National Heritage Training Group, with backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Find out more about the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme here