There are gaps in the traditional craft skills base and difficulties in recruiting suitably qualified craftsmen, according to a survey of Tayside businesses.

The survey, spearheaded by a working group from Angus College, the City of Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and the Scottish Stone Liaison Group, surveyed local companies, gathering information on existing skills, skills shortages and type of training and work undertaken in the local construction sector.

Fifty companies responded to the survey which included questions on the type of training offered to employees, the numbers of employees on modern apprenticeship schemes, the types of traditional skills offered and the percentage of work accounted for by repair and maintenance.

Almost a quarter of respondents reported gaps amongst employees in traditional skills, and problems in recruiting qualified craft people.

More than half (60%) stated that the majority of work was in the repair and maintenance category rather than the new build sector. A similar percentage of companies indicated that they would be interested in their employees attending masterclasses for specialist skills.

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The survey, which was commissioned by the City of Brechin THI with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Angus Council and LEADER, with in kind support from Angus College, focused on traditional skills.

Chairman of Brechin THI, Bob Myles said: "It was clear from this survey that local companies are committed to training and have expressed an interest in specific traditional skills qualifications. "

Kevin Murphy, Director of Learning and Teaching, at Angus College's Technology department, author of the report said: "Before undertaking the study we were aware that there is a shortage of skills in traditional building skills in the UK and that there is a generation skills gap.

"The results of the survey have provided the evidence to support the development of key traditional construction skills. It is our intention to apply for further LEADER funding to explore and develop specific training courses specialising in traditional building methods to meet the demand of local employers in moving from the new build market to that of repair and maintenance.

"This will provide employers the opportunity to up-skill their employees and hopefully allow companies to diversify into new markets, creating opportunities to tender for work that was prohibitive previously due to lack of skills in the workforce, this ultimately should improve business turn over."

Full results are available to view on the THI webpage www.angus.gov.uk/brechinthi/progress.htm and Angus College website: www.angus.ac.uk/docs/traditionalskillsreport.pdf, with paper copies available to view at Brechin library, Brechin High School and Angus College library. A number of companies who responded to the study have been included in a directory contained within the report which will assist private owners in sourcing companies that have experience in the maintenance and repair of traditional buildings within the Tayside region.

(GK/BMcC)