The heritage sector offers meaningful and rewarding careers but faces significant challenges with skills shortages, an ageing workforce, and a lack of diversity.
This funding will enable Historic England to offer two young adults from under-represented backgrounds – such as those from areas of high deprivation, people with disabilities, and individuals from minority ethnic groups – a paid six-month Step-Up placement with Historic England or with one of our partners in the heritage sector.
These placements bridge the gap between classroom-based training or work experience schemes and real on-the-job training and development, one of the greatest barriers to young people advancing their careers. Participants will gain invaluable, hands-on experience, earning while they learn, and will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue long-term careers in heritage. At the same time, the programme will help address the heritage sector’s succession planning challenges by targeting roles where skills shortages exist and encouraging other organisations to adopt similar placements.
