John Roberts, one of the first Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chester Renaissance heritage skills trainees, has been given the opportunity to work on the Chester City Walls.
John is training with specialists Grosvenor Construction on the restoration of Morgan’s Mount and King Charles’ Tower.
Both Morgan’s Mount and King Charles’ Tower works are part of the European-funded Portico project to make Chester city walls and towers one of the best urban heritage trails in Europe through a series of proposed restoration and improvement works around the city walls.
During his time as heritage skills trainee, John has worked on the Cunard building in Liverpool, part of the Unesco World Heritage Site. He has also worked on several historic projects in the wider Chester area with stone mason Neil Andrews, and is now on his third work placement as part of his training.
For John, working with Grosvenor Construction on the historic city walls, a scheduled ancient monument is a dream come true.
The ‘Chester Renaissance Academy of Heritage Skills’ is grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund that it has created such unique opportunities for young people to gain training and skills for a future career in stone masonry.
The Council is recruiting two new trainees in heritage skills; one in traditional carpentry and one in stone masonry.
Councillor Stuart Parker, Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, said: “Heritage skills like stone masonry and traditional carpentry can really motivate young people to want to learn to become as good as the masters they work with.
“These skills, which also have an artistic element, are truly a skill for the future with an excellent prospect to sustain a career over time.”
For further details about the Heritage Skills trainees, contact Paul Valentine, Young Adult Skills Coordinator for Cheshire West and Chester Council, on tel: 01606 288909.