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Building on heritage skills
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Anyone who has ever restored an old house or conserved a heritage place
will know that the skills of an experienced tradesperson can make the
difference between a successful result and a disappointing one. A capable
tradesperson will get to know your building and can often provide
invaluable expertise and advice. As part of the NSW Government's Heritage
Trades Training Strategy, the Department of Education and Training is
currently running courses for building contractors who are eager to learn
more about the specific skills needed to work on heritage places. For a tradesperson, working on a heritage building can be a fascinating part of their job. Traditional building methods, original fabric and special conservation techniques mean that heritage buildings are an unusual and fascinating challenge. Adding heritage trade skills and knowledge to their qualifications can give a tradesperson an advantage over their competitors. The Department of Education and Training recently ran workshops on heritage conservation in Lismore and Tenterfield. Over 30 tradespeople attended the 2 day workshops delivered by TAFE teachers with expertise in conservation. The courses were part of the NSW Government's Heritage Trades Training Strategy. Launched earlier this year, the program aims to encourage the employment and training of workers in specialist heritage skills. It is a joint initiative of the Department of Education and Training, the Heritage Office and the Department of Public Works and Services. |
 At Tenterfield participants had the opportunity to inspect the current redevelopment of the School or Arts. Here they are examining the original colour scheme used on an architrave. Photograph by Richard White.
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The conservation courses were specifically designed to meet the differing
building needs of the two areas. The Lismore course focussed on timber
construction and the Tenterfield course looked at brick construction.
Course coordinator, Margaret Tung said that the workshops were an
introduction to the very specific skills that are needed when working on a
heritage building. "We wanted to give tradespeople conservation knowledge which they could apply in a very practical way to their own work," said Ms Tung. Heritage Advisor, Wendy Laird, who helped to organize the workshops said it was a good way for tradespeople to expand their skills. "The workshops help to build on the extensive skills that tradespeople already have and perhaps show how a different approach can be effective when working on a heritage building," said Wendy Laird. One of the most important skills taught in the workshops was how to "read a building". At Lismore participants went to Monaltrie, Lismore's oldest house, where they were given the task of determining the major changes and characteristics of the building. Important clues to a building's past use can often be found in its fabric. The tradespeople looked at the different materials used, changes to the building and stylistic elements as pointers to its development. To experienced eyes the buildings themselves can be a very important source of information. The workshops emphasized the importance of "doing your homework" when working on a heritage building. Understanding the significance of a place and gathering information about it before making decisions on how to proceed with the job make good sense. In fact, the participants found that one of the most interesting aspects of working on a heritage building can be the investigation and discovery that goes hand in hand with a careful conservation job. The enthusiastic response to the workshops and the energetic discussion generated at each site have convinced organizers that tradespeople are keen to pick up on heritage skills. "Tradesmen and builders want to find out more about conservation and to discuss some of the topical issues that surround heritage work, such as lead and paint removal," said Ms Tung. "We will deliver a workshop tailored to the specific needs of a region. We want to hear from interested people and to address the needs of their area." The Department of Education and Training is planning to run workshops throughout NSW. A workshop is already planned for Sydney on 20th February (see back page for details) and for Inverell at the Tom Roberts Festival in April/May. Margaret Tung at the Department of Education and Training would like to hear from anyone in rural or metropolitan areas who would be interested in a workshop. Ph: 9266 8098 or email: Margaret.Tung@det.nsw.edu.au | |
