Consultation on conservation principles vocational qualification

Overview

Consultation on the need and the structure of a proposed vocational qualification in conservation principles

The Skills Investment Plan for the historic environment (SIP) was published in 2024 with a number of actions identified to support the development of conservation skills. This piece of work originated from the industrial heritage part of the SIP.

Since 2024, a partnership comprising the Institute of Conservation (Icon), Grampian Transport Museum, National Museums Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Industrial Museums Scotland, Scottish Transport and Industrial Collections Knowledge Network (STICK), and Industrial Heritage Consultancy has come together to support the delivery of the industrial heritage actions in the SIP. This includes identifying the need for an industry‑relevant vocational qualification, endorsed by Icon, that demonstrates and develops learners’ competence in conservation principles, skills and knowledge.

Although this project originated in the industrial heritage part of the sector, a secondary requirement is that the qualification should be broad enough to apply across a range of conservation and material‑specific disciplines. It will also help address priorities identified in the SIP Conservation Action Plan, including the need for a strategic approach to building competency and a clearer understanding of the role of accreditation and standards.

Expected Outcomes:

• enhanced employability and career progression for learners.
• increased understanding of level of conservation competency
• stepping stone to further learning and Icon accreditation

The proposed audience is:

• apprentices undertaking ‘mainstream’ frameworks to evidence knowledge of conservation principles
• learners undertaking a broad range of vocational learning opportunities that are not linked to accredited or certified qualifications

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Why your views matter

It is important we understand what the sector is looking for in the development of this qualification, and how any potential qualification may be used by the sector.

As employers, practitioners and training providers in the sector, we would be grateful for your honest feedback on the need and demand for such a qualification, and for your input in shaping its structure.

To do this you will need to consider the qualification development brief and the Conservation approach qualification structure DRAFT spreadsheet which can be found below, before providing feedback. If you have any questions please contact skills@hes.scot.