Apply for a Heritage Craft Skills Bursary in Derbyshire

A new bursary scheme is offering up to £2,500 to support people in Derbyshire to train in traditional heritage crafts, helping to safeguard vital skills needed to care for the county’s historic buildings.

Derbyshire’s rich heritage is woven into its landscapes, industries, and architecture. From stone-built villages to historic mills, these places rely on specialist craft skills for their conservation. However, these skills - such as lime plastering, stone masonry, and heritage joinery - are becoming increasingly scarce.

To help address this, Derbyshire County Council, with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has launched a new bursary scheme aimed at strengthening local heritage skills.

The scheme is supported by key partners including the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust and the Arkwright Society, reflecting a shared commitment to investing in the future of conservation in the county.

Who can apply?

The bursaries are open to individuals who live or work in Derbyshire. Training itself can take place anywhere in the UK.

Up to four bursaries of £2,500 are available, aimed at:

• New entrants starting a career in heritage building

• Early-career practitioners developing essential hand skills

• Mid-career professionals looking to expand into new craft areas

  
  

What can the bursary fund?

The funding is flexible and can support a range of training opportunities, including:

• Mentoring or training with experienced craftspeople

• Specialist training courses

• Self-directed training programmes

• Tools, materials, books, and study resources

• Travel and accommodation costs

  
  

Key dates

• Application deadline: 5pm, 27th April 2026

• Interviews (if shortlisted): 5th May 2026

• Decisions announced: 22nd May 2026

• Training period: 1st June 2026 – 31st May 2027

  
  

Why this matters

This bursary is more than just funding, it’s an investment in the future of Derbyshire’s built heritage. By supporting people to learn and develop traditional craft skills, the scheme helps ensure historic buildings can be properly maintained and conserved for generations to come.

Apply now

If you’re interested in developing your heritage craft skills, this is a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and support your career.

👉 Follow the link to find out more and apply: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/derbyshire-makes/building-conservation-bursary/heritage-building-and-conservation-craft-skills-bursary.aspx