Our skills training centres

Our accredited courses build practical skills and provide pathways into working with Scotland’s historic environment.   

We teach two stonemasonry routes:  

• Banker masonry: shaping and dressing stone in workshops, often for decorative work.  

• Fixer masonry: installing stone on-site, from boundary dykes to chimneys and doorways. 

We offer vocational training programmes, including:  

• Modern Apprenticeship in Stonemasonry  
  (PDA, SVQ and Advanced Craft - SCQF level 5,6, 7) 

• Professional Development Award in Repair and Maintenance of Traditional Masonry Structures 
  (SCQF Level 6) 

We deliver qualifications through the Engine Shed as a Qualifications Scotland and National Open College Network (NOCN) accredited training centre.  

Our training may be suitable if you: 

• want to start a career in construction or heritage 

• work in construction and want to develop specialist skills 

• are interested in traditional building methods 

Applying for a Modern Apprenticeship

To learn stonemasonry at our Skills Training Centres. You can: 

• apply for an advertised Modern Apprenticeship

• find an employer to support you through an apprenticeship

Learn more about applying for a Modern Apprenticeship

Around 20% of Scotland’s homes were built before 1919, and stonemasonry lies at the heart of our built environment. From iconic monuments and heritage sites to our homes, schools and high streets: up to 80% of structures that will be in use in 2050 already exist. 

Our centre in Elgin has trained 150 stonemasonry apprentices since opening over 25 years ago. Yet, the need for apprentices has never been greater, as tradespeople are needed to:  

• maintain and adapt historic buildings  

• support sustainable construction 

• strengthen local economies 

We are working with Scottish Canals to develop Lock 16, Scotland's Centre of Excellence for Canals and Traditional Skills, in Falkirk. Our skills training centre in Stirling will relocate to Lock 16, enabling us to increase class sizes and enhance training delivery. 

This marks a significant investment in retaining and delivering traditional craft, engineering and construction skills, including thatching, stonemasonry, blacksmithery and environmental conservation.

Go to the Lock 16 website

Find out more about routes into heritage and construction careers:  

• Learning a building conservation skill

• Engine Shed skills and training advice  

• Our Heritage Careers resources 

• Skills Development Scotland apprenticeship opportunities  

• Opportunities advertised on our recruitment pages 

For general enquiries about our Skills Training Centres email technicaleducation@hes.scot or phone 01786 234 800.