THE Benefact Trust has awarded a grant of £2.1 million for a new training programme to benefit traditional heritage skills, to be run in conjunction with the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship (CWF).

Heritage leaders, cathedral representatives, and the first cohort of 16 scholars attended the launch event at Lichfield Cathedral last week.

The programme, which will support 36 apprentices across UK cathedrals over the next four years, was described as “critical” for the cathedrals’ future by the CWF’s executive director Michael Sheppard. “Without urgent and strategic investment in skills and education, we face a serious crisis in our ability to care for these nationally significant buildings,” he said.

The Benefact Trust said that the programme aims to “safeguard the future of heritage conservation by equipping scholars with hands-on experience and qualifications in crafts such as stonemasonry”.

The Trust’s director, Helen Gray, said that the grant was not just a “recording-breaking” figure, but also the longest. “It stands as a clear demonstration of our commitment to nurturing the next generation of heritage professionals,” she said.

The funding is directly paid to the CWF, which will be spread over the four years. Reporting and monitoring of the funds will be undertaken.

The programme will begin in September with its inaugural group. Students will gain practical experience, be mentored by conservators, and acquire accredited qualifications. Each scholar is supported to the same level.

Mr Sheppard said: “Trades like stonemasonry, joinery, plasterwork, and leadwork — once passed down through generations — are becoming increasingly rare. And yet, the need for these skills has never been greater.”

The participants are the cathedrals of Canterbury, Chester, Durham, Exeter, Gloucester, Lincoln, Lichfield, Salisbury, St Paul’s, Winchester, Worcester, and Wells, as well as York Minster and Westminster Abbey.

The chief operating officer of Worcester Cathedral, Matthew Hall, said: “Without programmes like this, these traditional skills may become obsolete, putting our beautiful cathedrals at risk. We are proud of our team of stonemasons here in Worcester and are committed to training the next generation to protect and maintain our glorious cathedral for all to enjoy.”