Two of the Prince of Wales\' foundations have become involved in initiatives to increae the skills base of traditional building crafts.

The Prince of Wales\' Charities Foundation has joined with ConstructionSkills to provide start-up funding to develop a new Cotswolds Heritage Academy. The Academy is the initiative of Stephen Davis, chairman of the Woodchester Mansion Trust that runs training courses at the Victorian mansion left unfinished when the builders walked off site and never returned, unintentionally leaving behind a unique opportunity for training in traditional building skills in the 21st century.

The Cotswold Heritage Academy will train apprentices at all levels to help provide the core skills for allowing growth in the built heritage sector, offering accredited training in a range of craft skills and related heritage skills at higher education level. The Heritage Academy will also promote the relevance and rewards of careers in the heritage sector to school pupils at primary and secondary levels.

Peter Lobban said Constru-ctionSkills, of which he is chief executive, would match fund the Prince\'s commitment. "We will also be looking to involve other partners that share our enthusiasm and are prepared to make similar commitments. This is an exciting breakthrough but it is only the beginning. Let us hope what we are announcing today becomes the first in a network in heritage academies covering all the regions and countries of the UK."

Meanwhile, the Prince\'s Foundation for the Built Environment is to administer a new traditional building crafts apprenticeship initiative due to start in the coming spring. Hank Dittmar, chief executive of The Prince\'s Foundation, says: "Although the shortage of skilled craftspeople is a problem for the heritage sector of the construction industry, the need in the new building sector is equally acute."

Students who have completed a Level 3 NVQ qualification in a traditional building skill such as stonemasonry will be eligible to become Prince of Wales Building Craft Apprentices. They will build on their existing knowledge with courses, work experience and coaching intended to open up greater career opportunities. York College will be one of the educational centres encouraging its students to become Prince of Wales Building Craft Apprentices.

The Prince of Wales Building Craft Apprentice courses will last nine months, including a two-week summer school and a minimum of two work placements on traditional building projects. Apprentices on the course will receive a stipend of £1,000 a month.

For more information contact the Prince\'s Foundation on For more information contact the Prince\'s Foundation on Tel: 020 7613 8500.