One on one training - Archie on scheme with a royal link
A skilled Bath craftsman is playing his part in the £20m restoration of a UK heritage landmark after gaining a place on a prestigious training programme with a royal link. Archie Thomas Vick from Bath was selected as part of this year’s intake on The Prince’s Foundation’s Traditional Building Skills programme and is currently on site at Hillsborough Castle. Archie, 23, is part of a collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces and the government Historic Environment Division to transform one of Northern Ireland’s biggest tourist hotspots and ensure it meets a target to attract 250,000 visitors a year. As part of the programme, Archie will complete live build projects at Hillsborough, Dumfries House in south-west Scotland, and The Royal Gardens at Highgrove. He said: “I’ve been working with wood since I was 16 and started volunteering at The Cherry Wood Project in Chippenham. “I decided to apply for a place on The Prince’s Foundation’s Traditional Building Skills programme as craft skills are quite niche and I wanted to build up my experience. “When I finish the course, I’d like to work in the heritage sector as I’m very interested in traditional craft skills and preserving historic buildings.” The Traditional Building Skills Programme is delivered by The Prince’s Foundation and The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) and offers successful participants an NVQ Level 3 qualification. The year-long course consists of short courses and workshops punctuated by live training builds at the three heritage sites across the UK. Through a focus on practical, project-based education, the programme develops technical skills and knowledge and provides sitebased learning and training in business skills vital to the development of the next generation of skilled craftspeople. Michael Goodger, built environment education manager at The Prince’s Foundation, is accompanying the group during their live build projects. He said: “This programme gives participants an opportunity to learn from each other and gain a clear sense of all the processes involved in a live build. “Hillsborough and Dumfries House both offer new-build projects, while Highgrove involves the restoration and conservation of an existing building in much need of repair to ensure its longevity in the future.” At Hillsborough, the official residence in Northern Ireland of Her Majesty The Queen, students have worked alongside experienced mentors to create a walled garden pavilion, a summerhouse or folly that will stand as the centrepiece of the heritage site. During their time at Hillsborough, Dumfries House, and Highgrove, they will construct buildings using traditional skills such as stonemasonry, woodwork, plastering, blacksmithing, bricklaying, thatching, and painting and decorating. Dumfries House will benefit from a new outdoor classroom featuring oak framing, a thatched roof, and earthen walls. Highgrove will see the restoration of an old well that has fallen into a poor state of repair. Earlier this year, The Prince’s Foundation was formed and is now headquartered at Dumfries House. The house itself was saved for the nation in 2007 by The Prince of Wales, who used £20 million of his charitable foundation’s money to secure the future of the house and estate. It is used to help people engage in learning experiences that promote confidence and personal development. The Prince’s Foundation is now the second-largest employer in East Ayrshire.