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Our skills training centres

Our centres for training in Stirling and Elgin teach building craft skills to the highest standard

A stonemason outside in a yard full of building stone

Scotland’s older buildings are all around us. They make up some of our most loved historic attractions, as well as being our homes, workplaces, community spaces and schools. They were built using traditional craft skills, like stonemasonry, metalworking and more.

Traditional building skills, local materials and sustainable methods make sure these buildings survive well into the future.

By training apprentices and craft fellows and offering accredited courses, we support careers in heritage and construction, while caring for these much-loved places.

Our skills training centres

Our skills training centres in Elgin and Stirling are dedicated spaces where our experts help learners thrive.

We’ve been delivering Modern Apprenticeships in Stonemasonry for over 20 years in Elgin, and over 10 years in Stirling, in partnership with Forth Valley College.

In September 2021 we opened our new, larger facility in Stirling, which means we can train more people than ever.

Our training centres help us address the skills shortage we have today in Scotland, whilst also aiding our transition to a low-carbon economy and net-zero to address the climate emergency.

A stonemason standing by large machinery in a workshop
A person stonecarving wearing a full safety helmet inside a workshop
A workshop with stonemasonry equipment
Two people standing inside a stonemasonry workshop
A large corridor space inside a skills training centre

What we offer

We deliver nationally recognised courses, accredited and approved by the National Open College Network (NOCN) and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). These include:

  • PDA and SVQ Stonemasonry SCQF Levels 5, 6, and 7
  • PDA Repair & Maintenance of Traditional Structures SCQF Level 6
  • Award in Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings RQF Level 3

 

A person carving into a piece of stone in a workshop

Apprentice Daryl:

"You learn a lot of interesting things - the history of stonemasonry and historic buildings, the different types of stone, how to cut them, the techniques involved and the tools."

Looking to learn?

You will find our conservation events and talks on the Engine Shed What’s On page, or you can sign up to the Engine Shed newsletter to keep up to date with our latest events.

To undertake a Modern Apprenticeship in stonemasonry, you must be employed.

For more information on routes into conservation and construction careers in heritage, discover how to get involved in the historic environment sector, and ways to train and upskill.

This includes information about apprenticeship opportunities though Skills Development Scotland, and where you can find available college courses.

Contact us

If you have any queries about our Skills Centre, or if you would like to talk to our team or learn more, please contact us on technicaleducation@hes.scot

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