St Paul’s to launch world class heritage craft training centre on Cathedral’s 350th anniversary
St Paul’s to launch world class heritage craft training centre on Cathedral’s 350th anniversary
The new programme will focus on nurturing the next generation of skilled craftspeople, with apprenticeships in carpentry and stonemasonry. The apprenticeships will be delivered through the newly established Wren Centre of Excellence at St Paul’s Cathedral, which will act as a world-class hub for heritage craft training and innovation.
The Director of Property at St Paul’s Cathedral, Rebecca Thompson, said:
“Craft skills have always been at the heart of St Paul’s, but heritage skills are at risk, with fewer people joining heritage professions there is an opportunity to join this sector for a fulfilling and viable career. That’s why we’re launching our new Wren International Centre of Excellence, so that we can pass the torch to a new generation of skilled craftspeople.
“Our new Carpentry and Stonemasonry apprenticeships are just the first in a series of apprenticeships we plan to offer from the Wren International Centre of Excellence. This new hub is a tribute to our past but a promise to the future of heritage craft skills at St Paul’s and to support the national shortage, leading in our responsibility as custodians.”
The launch of the Wren Centre of Excellence coincides with the 350th anniversary of the foundation of St Paul’s Cathedral, and is named in honour of its architect Sir Christopher Wren.
The apprenticeships will offer a unique chance to learn endangered craft skills from St Paul’s Cathedral’s master craftspeople, working within one of the nation's most iconic buildings.
Learn more and apply to become an apprentice here.
