A collaboration between Historic Scotland, Constructionskills Scotland, and Scottish Qualifications Authority has been launched in a bid to tackle the skills gaps in the traditional building sector in the construction industry.

The three organisations have come together, for the first time, to establish a strategic partnership which will be in force for the next four years.

Nearly 50% of Scotland's construction activity relates to repair and maintenance, but gaps remain in the availability of a broad range of traditional building skills

The first task for the partnership will be to identify the skills and knowledge gaps in traditional building skills in the construction sector.

It will then ensure the correct qualifications and professional development are in place, within the education framework, to improve the conservation, maintenance and repair of traditionally constructed buildings in Scotland.

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David Mitchell, Director of Technical Conservation Group at Historic Scotland, said: "This is a significant step by all three parties to assist in identifying gaps in training and knowledge in the traditional skills sector, and to work with industry, training providers and other partners to raise the standards of work being undertaken on traditional buildings across Scotland."

SQA Chief Executive Janet Brown said: "Much of Scotland’s rich historical heritage is portrayed in stone, bricks and mortar. Often, the skills required to maintain and repair some of those marvellous old buildings – without which Scotland would be a poorer place – are no longer available.

"For that reason, it is essential that we work together to ensure that the store of knowledge from years gone by is passed on to the current and future generations of craftspeople."

Historic Scotland and Constructionskills will carry out a qualifications audit looking at the provision and delivery of vocational training relating to traditional building skills in Scotland. The audit, due to be completed by summer 2009, will be placed against a framework of traditional skills required to effectively care for Scotland’s built environment.

(GK)