Heritage Consultant

What does a heritage consultant do?A heritage consultant advises on construction work due to take place in a historic building or setting, so that sites of significant cultural or historic importance can be conserved for generations to come.The Duties Of a Heritage Consultant Include:Inspecting historic sites and structures to assess project requirementsResearching the history of heritage sites and buildingsConsidering modern building regulations and requirements when planning new workProviding technical advice to construction managers, architects, conservationists and clientsSourcing rare or traditional building materials and fixturesResearching original paint colours, materials and finishesRecruiting and supervising specialist tradespeople to undertake restoration and renovation workPreserving and incorporating heritage features into the planned renovation or restoration of the buildingProducing plans and reports for clients and senior managersResponding to public and visitor enquiriesReviewing building plans and historic documentsWorking on-site and in an office.How to become a heritage consultantThere are several routes to becoming a heritage consultant. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.You should explore these routes to becoming a heritage consultant, to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.UniversityMany employers look for candidates who have a relevant postgraduate degree such as heritage management or historic conservation, and work experience in the heritage sector.Equivalent entry requirements explainedFind a university courseFunding advice College/training providerYou could complete a college course in construction, history, environmental studies or surveying, and then complete further specialist training to become a heritage consultant.Equivalent entry requirements explainedFind a course near youFunding adviceApprenticeshipYou could complete an historic environment advice assistant apprenticeship to become a heritage consultant. This will take two years to complete.Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.Guide to apprenticeshipsWorkIf you have relevant experience or skills in construction project management, architecture, local authority planning or building surveying, you may be able to apply directly to an employer for a job as a heritage consultant.Work experienceWork experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a heritage consultant. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. Many cultural organisations offer volunteering opportunities which will give you a taste for heritage work and develop your skills and contacts.Find out more about work experienceSkillsDesirable skills for someone considering a career as a heritage consultant include:A passion for historic sites and buildingsExcellent research skillsAbility to manage time and meet deadlinesStrong communication skillsKnowledge of architectural historyWell organised and thorough approach to work.QualificationsTo become a Heritage Consultant you could complete a:NVQ Level 3 Heritage Skills (Construction)Level 5 Heritage Construction Specialist apprenticeshipAn undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as:HistoryGeographyCultural heritage studiesBuilding conservationArchitectureArchaeologyEarth or natural sciencesTo Become a Heritage Consultant You Could Complete A:SVQ Level 2 in Cultural HeritageSCQF Level 6 in Heritage Skills and Technology apprenticeshipAn undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as:HistoryGeographyCultural heritage studiesBuilding conservationArchitectureArchaeologyEarth or natural sciencesTo Become a Heritage Consultant You Could Complete A:NVQ Level 3 Heritage Skills (Construction)An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as:HistoryGeographyCultural heritage studiesBuilding conservationArchitectureArchaeologyEarth or natural sciencesHow much could you earn as a heritage consultant?The expected salary for a heritage consultant varies as you become more experienced. Newly trained heritage consultants can start at £25,000 Trained with experience heritage consultants can earn up to £60,000*Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources