Repair, Restore, Rebuild: Northbrook College Construction Students Take Part in Heritage Trades Taster Day 

It was a day to remember as Construction students from Northbrook College rolled up their sleeves and took part in a special heritage taster day.  

Organised by the Sussex Heritage Trust, the students were able to take part in a series of heritage trades, including repointing, flint work and heritage timber work, all held at the Weald & Downland Living Museum, home of the hit TV series The Repair Shop.  

On the day, students also met and heard from skilled craftspeople, watched them work, asked questions, and gained first-hand insight into the techniques, knowledge, and career opportunities associated with heritage trades.  

This comes as there are an estimated 5.5 million traditional buildings in England that require specific skills and expertise, according to Historic England. This shows a clear demand for workers trained in heritage skills.  

Students from the college were joined by peers from Brighton Met College, Crawley College and Chichester College, and received a day of practical activities, live demonstrations and an introduction to the world of heritage construction.  

The taster day formed part of an ongoing collaboration between the Chichester College Group and Sussex Heritage Trust, which has seen students take part in a number of heritage skills-focused events throughout the year.

Kellie McGovern, Work Placement Coach in the Progression Plus team at Northbrook College and a key organiser of the trip, said: 

“This heritage taster day offered a fascinating introduction to traditional construction methods, allowing students to learn directly from highly skilled craftspeople and gain first-hand experience of techniques that have been used for generations. They mas

“With so many historic buildings across the country requiring specialist care and conservation, it was also an excellent opportunity for students to explore a growing and rewarding area of the construction industry, while gaining a deeper understanding of the important role heritage skills play in preserving our built environment for future generations.” 

To hear more about the variety of Construction courses available at Northbrook College, please click here. To book a place at the college’s open event on Saturday November 14 and for more information, please click here.