The closing date for applications for this year's All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme is fast approaching.

The programme aims to support experienced people working in the construction sector in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to become experts in their chosen craft.

The initiative is a collaboration between The King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division (HED), National Museums NI, and Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI).

Heritage skills

According to the organisers, as many traditional skills are in danger of being lost, the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme aims to address the shortage of skilled craftspeople.

Skills such as stonemasonry, carpentry, joinery, bricklaying, blacksmithing, plastering, thatching, roofing, tiling, painting, and decorating are needed for the conservation, repair and maintenance of historic buildings and structures in Ireland.

The programme also aims to showcase the contribution that traditional craft skills can make in shaping and creating new spaces and places.

Each year, a group of up to eight students are selected for the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme.

Over a period of 12 months, the group will gain practical experience in traditional building skills, conservation and repair, and interdisciplinary practice.

They also have the opportunity to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Heritage Skills (Construction).

The programme is delivered across various locations in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

The course starts on July 12, 2026 with an intensive three-week summer school, delivered on the Dumfries House estate in Scotland.

This will be followed by up to 35 weeks of industry placements with craftspeople and traditional construction companies.

Participants will attend a residential winter school, before working collaboratively on a project related to heritage skills in Ireland.

Crafts

To be successful in gaining a place on the fulltime course, candidates must have prior experience in their craft area of choice, either through a recognised qualification or significant on-site work experience.

Successful applicants are awarded a full scholarship and will be provided with a monthly bursary to help cover the cost of travel and accommodation.

Applications for this year's programme, which can be submitted through the National Museums NI website, will close at 4:00p.m on April 10, 2026.