The NHTG has a UK-wide remit, with responsibility for implementing a coherent strategy for training and skills provision, to meet the demands of the traditional building crafts sector.  Its membership is composed of heritage bodies, employer federations, contractors, trade unions and training providers from further education and conservation specialists.

Since the signing of the Sector Skills Agreement in late 2004, the NHTG assisted by ConstructionSkills and English Heritage, has made great leaps forward in addressing many of the issues that have previously prevented growth in skills training in the heritage sector.  This effort has been largely directed by the Skills Action Plan that was presented as part of the 2005 report Traditional Building Craft Skills: Assessing the Need, Meeting the Challenge, which was a skills needs analysis of the built heritage sector in the nine English regions.

Amongst its chief achievements to date, the NHTG has introduced the NVQ Level 3 Heritage Skills units, which went live in September 2007, as well as the ‘Train the Trainer’ programme to support its introduction into FE colleges; established a website with a wealth of downloadable information for trainee and employer alike; and set up regional action groups to action local skills issues.

Further information on Craft Skills

These regional groups in particular are always looking to extend their networks of people involved or interested in the heritage sector. If you would like to know more about these groups or the work of the NHTG, please contact; or visit the website at

For more details on English Heritage’s role in craft skills issues, please contact Clare Charlesworth at .