Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the opening of applications for the 2026-27 All Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. The programme provides full scholarships and monthly bursaries for travel and accommodation. It partners with The King's Foundation, the Heritage Council, National Museums NI and Construction Industry Training Board NI.

Students gain practical experience in traditional building skills, conservation and repair. They work with master craftspeople and pursue a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills (Construction) at the Heritage Skills Centre in Moira. Lyons noted that recent graduates now work in National Museums NI and his department's Conservation Works Team.

The minister highlighted his department's investment of £1.3 million to create 28 new posts in the Conservation Works Team for protecting 187 State Care Monuments. He stated that heritage skills create local jobs, support the economy and aid sustainable conservation. Lyons encouraged people interested in craft and heritage to apply.

Applications close at 4pm on 10 April. More details appear on the National Museums website.