The Tywi Centre, the award-winning heritage training provider, has announced record-breaking enrolment on its NVQ3 Heritage Stonemasonry course.
Based in the historic town of Llandeilo, the Tywi Centre is the UK’s only provider of masonry, carpentry and plastering NVQ heritage training. It has become a hub for those passionate about preserving Britain’s history and architectural heritage.
The NVQ3 Heritage Stonemasonry course has reached full capacity this year, reflecting a growing interest in heritage skills. Over 20 days of training, students gain expertise in setting out and erecting complex masonry structures, conserving and restoring historic masonry, and understanding the materials and techniques specific to heritage masonry.
The course also delves into architectural recognition, identifying and addressing structural defects, and exploring the intricacies of conservation law. Delivered in four one-week blocks, this hands-on programme equips participants with the knowledge and skills to care for historic buildings with confidence and precision.
The Tywi Centre offers students valuable opportunities to put their learning into practice, with past masonry students having worked on significant restoration projects like the Peach House at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Picton Castle in Pembrokeshire, the Pontypridd Lido and Insole Court, Cardiff.
Nell Hellier, Senior Built Heritage Officer at the Tywi Centre, said:
“We’re excited by the number of applicants this year and more excited than ever to impart our knowledge to the next generation of heritage experts!”
“We’re passionate about showing people that caring for old buildings isn’t as daunting as it might seem. These structures have stood the test of time for centuries, and with the right skills, they can stand for many more. Our mission is to provide the expertise and confidence needed to safeguard this important part of our heritage.”
For more than 15 years, the Tywi Centre has been inspiring individuals and organisations to take on an active role in preserving historic properties. The Centre offers a range of state-of-the-art training facilities, including a plastering workshop for traditional lath techniques, an outdoor area for external rendering practice, a carpentry workshop for timber frame and sash window repairs, and space for stonemasonry instruction.
While the stonemasonry course is now fully booked, there are still limited spaces available in the heritage carpentry and plastering courses for this spring – the deadline for sign up is Friday, January 31.
These courses are free for companies registered with CITB (the Construction Industry Training Board).
