For many people working in traditional building repair, training is not simply about gaining a qualification. It is about developing judgement, confidence and a deeper understanding of how to care for historic fabric in the right way.
For Matt James, completing his NVQ in Heritage Plastering with the Tywi Centre has become part of a much wider journey.
Matt is now taking part in the SPAB Fellowship, a highly respected full-time training programme run by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. The Fellowship broadens the skills and experience of craftspeople working on historic building repair, taking Fellows across the UK to learn from experienced conservation professionals, visit live projects, and explore a wide range of traditional building skills.
For Matt, the experience so far has already been transformative.
“My time on the Fellowship so far has been mind blowing. Every day is a different site and project, with the discussion regarding the approach being the main focus.”
The SPAB Fellowship gives craftspeople the opportunity to step away from their usual day-to-day work and immerse themselves in the wider world of building conservation. Fellows travel together, visit projects across the country and spend time learning not only how traditional repairs are carried out, but why particular approaches are chosen.
Matt describes the conversations between Fellows, Scholars and conservation professionals as one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
“Having time to reflect on Block 1, the programme has already had a big impact on my way of thinking of how to take these ideas into my own practice on site. Ultimately, these conversations we have together as a group of Fellows and Scholars on a daily basis is where I really find it interesting, drawing from everyone's different points of view and backgrounds.”
The Fellowship has already introduced Matt to a wide range of traditional crafts and conservation topics. Alongside hands-on days exploring skills such as wood carving, stone letter cutting, leadwork bossing, pargeting, thatching and wattling, he has also taken part in more detailed visits looking at areas such as dendrochronology, bridge engineering and structural issues on conservation projects.
For someone with a background in heritage plastering, this wider exposure is helping Matt to develop a broader understanding of historic buildings as a whole.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding so far, being able to tour with our group up and down the UK and experience all this together is amazing. I feel very lucky to meet and learn from the people we have met along the way so far. Very much looking forward to Block 2 in July!”
Matt’s journey to the Fellowship has strong links with his time at the Tywi Centre.
Through his NVQ Heritage Plastering training, Matt worked with tutors including Joe, Tom and Paul Walters of Just Lime Ltd. He credits that experience with helping him to think more deeply about the choices made when repairing historic buildings, from vernacular cottages to Scheduled Monuments.
“The Tywi Centre has played a pivotal role in my journey to the SPAB Fellowship. My time there learning with Joe, Tom and Paul Walters really put me on my path to search for a better understanding of what is the right choice for our historic fabric, whether that's a vernacular cottage or Scheduled Monument.”
The Tywi Centre supports craftspeople, contractors, building professionals and homeowners to develop the skills and knowledge needed to care for traditional buildings. For learners such as Matt, that support can form part of a longer professional pathway, helping them build confidence, make connections and take their next steps in the heritage sector.
Matt first became aware of the SPAB Fellowship during his time with the Tywi Centre, but it was through attending the Building Limes Forum in Bangor that the idea became more realistic. There, he met Philippa Soodeen from SPAB and spoke to past Fellows including Paul Walters and Dale Perrin, as well as Helena from the Tywi Centre.
“The SPAB was on my radar since my time with the Tywi, but I hadn't really considered it until I attended the Building Limes Forum in Bangor. That was a great weekend where I was lucky enough to meet Philippa Soodeen from the SPAB and discuss the possibility of applying for the Fellowship.”
Those conversations helped Matt understand not only what the Fellowship involved, but what it could offer him as a craftsperson committed to traditional building repair.
“The clincher was really discussing the reality of the Fellowship at dinner that weekend with past Fellows Paul Walters and Dale Perrin and Helena from the Tywi. The Tywi definitely has strong links with me now becoming a SPAB Fellow… and I'm proud of that!”
Matt’s story is a strong reminder of the value of practical conservation training, professional networks and continued learning. Heritage skills are developed over time, through experience, guidance, discussion and the willingness to keep asking questions.
We are delighted to see Matt continuing to grow as a craftsperson and taking this next step through the SPAB Fellowship.
For anyone working in traditional building repair, his journey shows how training can open doors, build confidence and lead to new opportunities within the heritage sector.
