Two members of the Historic Environment Skills project have been recognised by their college.
Rachael Wragg was named Best First Year Apprentice by York College, where she is working towards an NVQ Level 2 in stone masonry, while fellow trainee Alex Adams was awarded Most Dedicated Stone Mason.
Both are part of the Historic Environment Skills project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and managed by Lincolnshire County Council in partnership with Lincoln Cathedral and Heritage Lincolnshire.
The main aim of the project is to encourage more young people to pursue careers in the traditional built heritage sector. It offers placements across the East Midlands in a range of specialisms, from stone masonry, joinery and archaeology to roofing, earth building, slate making and plastering.
Both Alex and Rachael are in 18 month training placements at Lincoln Cathedral and Rachael has recently had her contract extended so she can continue to NVQ Level 3.
Rachael in the Cathedral Works department
Lizzie Whittington, the project coordinator said: “It has been a fantastic thing to see both Rachael and Alex recognised for their talent and hard work as stone masons so early on in their careers. HES is all about inspiring young people to work in heritage, particular in building trades and it really shows that given the opportunity, trainees can flourish in these historic skills!”
The Revd Canon John Patrick, Subdean of Lincoln said “Having a team of highly skilled craftspeople is vital for the conservation and maintenance of Lincoln Cathedral. We’re delighted to be part of the Historic Environment Skills project and supporting future generations of stone masons. Both Rachael and Alex have shown skill, passion and dedication and they are highly deserving of these awards.”
If you would like to see Rachael and Alex, and others, demonstrate their new skills and find out about what opportunities are available with HES this year, come along to Skills Fest at the Heritage Skills Centre at Lincoln Castle on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 of June.
Skills Fest will be a whole weekend of celebrating traditional crafts and historic environment skills and you can even have a go at some yourself. To learn more, visit:
