Ancient occupations like stonemasonry and heritage carpentry could be lost for ever if the UK fails to address its skills shortages, says a national training body.

The Heritage Craft Alliance (HCA), which provides accredited training to the next generation of craftspeople, says 40,000 professionals are due to retire in the next decade.

There is already a shortage of qualified craftspeople, according to the HCA, and the situation is set to worsen over the next decade putting historic trades and the expert preservation of ancient buildings at risk.

In response to the threat, the Heritage Craft Alliance has developed an apprenticeship starting in September in Cornwall which covers all masonry and wood occupations.

The nationally accredited Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Traditional Craft Skills lasts 17 months and, for the first time, is being delivered in partnership with the Eden Project.

The apprenticeship, which has traditionally operated from North Yorkshire, has been extended to the South West to prepare craftspeople to work on the region’s abundance of older and historic buildings.

For more information about the Apprenticeships and the benefits to employers visit: www.heritagecraftalliance or call 01677 422289.