The Historic England Foundation
Registered Charity Number: 1178368
About the Charity
We raise funds for programmes that give the next generation of heritage professionals the skills, technology and knowledge necessary to continue preserving historic sites.
What our grant will help to fund
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.
“The Emerging Talent programme addresses the challenges of skills shortages and a lack of diversity in the heritage sector, offering young people from under-represented backgrounds an outstanding opportunity to bridge the gap between education and meaningful employment. Through paid Step-Up Placements, participants will gain invaluable hands-on experience while they develop the skills they need for long-term careers in heritage. New funding through this Movement for Good Award is incredibly welcome and will allow us to make a lasting difference by supporting more young people on their journey into the sector.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England
