The Prince of Wales, through the Prince\'s Foundation, is offering scholarships of up to £5,000 each to allow those already involved in the building trades to develop their skills in traditional craft skills such as stonemasonry.

The scholarships are a response from the Prince to a shortage of traditional skills available to build, maintain and restore the UK\'s rich built heritage.

The Transport & General Workers Union is one of the sponsors of the Scholarship, which is designed to further the Prince\'s Foundation\'s aim of promoting a return to human values in architecture, building and regeneration.

David Lunts, chief executive of the Prince\'s Foundation, said: When so many traditional crafts and trades are under threat, we want to stimulate a wider awareness of their value.

If you want to apply for a grant to further your skills you will have to act quickly. Applications must be received by the end of October. You can get an application form by contacting the Prince\'s Foundation: