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As we reach the halfway point of 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on a busy and rewarding few months at the Tywi Centre. From NVQ3 Heritage training and hands-on lime courses for homeowners to delivering the Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency in Bristol and sash window repair workshops, it’s been a dynamic start to the year. We’re also looking ahead with excitement — with more training on the way and a new potential partnerships with Cardiff University and St Fagans set to broaden our impact even further.
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Building Skills for a Greener Future
Want to know how we’re helping older buildings meet modern energy standards—without losing their charm? Our latest blog takes you behind the scenes of our energy efficiency training, run in partnership with Ingleton Wood and the Centre for Sustainable Energy. It’s all about giving professionals the know-how to retrofit traditional buildings the right way.
Have a read and see how we’re building a greener future, one course at a time!
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Sharing Skills Far and Wide
We’ve had a brilliant year so far delivering training on behalf of some fantastic organisations. It was a real pleasure to work with The King's Foundation at Highgrove, sharing our heritage expertise in such a beautiful setting. We’ve also been busy running tailored training sessions for North Devon Council and Pembrokeshire County Council as part of their Levelling Up Fund projects. It’s always rewarding to help others build the skills needed to care for our historic buildings—and we’re proud to be part of that journey across Wales and beyond. |
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NVQ3 Training Update
We’re already halfway through our 2025 NVQ3 programme, and it’s been a pleasure working with such a dedicated group of plasterers, masons, and carpenters. Alongside our main training programme, we’re also supporting a growing number of learners who are following the Onsite Assessment and Training (OSAT) route to achieve their NVQ3 — a flexible option for those already working in the industry.
Our 2026 courses are starting to fill up, so if you’re interested in joining the next cohort, now’s the time to get in touch!
A big congratulations to Richard Blinstone, Jordan Gay, and David Walker, who have all achieved their NVQ3 in Heritage Carpentry, and to Matthew James for completing his NVQ3 in Heritage Plastering — a fantastic achievement for all!
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Inspiring Connections at St Fagans
We had a fantastic day visiting the dedicated team at St Fagans, whose work in caring for the museum’s remarkable buildings is truly inspiring. Together, we explored exciting opportunities to collaborate on delivering specialist training to support the conservation of Wales’ historic buildings. A real highlight was reconnecting with Matthew Roberts, a Tywi Centre stonemasonry graduate from 12 years ago. It was wonderful to see how Matthew has continued to grow in his craft and build a successful career with the team at St Fagans. |
If you work with older or traditional buildings — whether through surveying, applying for listed building consent, or writing detailed specifications — these expert-led courses offer practical, targeted learning to boost your confidence and skills:
Traditional Window Surveys & Condition Reports (1 Day)
Gain hands-on knowledge in assessing the condition of historic windows and producing clear, professional reports.
Dates: 22 July | 18 November
Cost: £150 | Tutor: Tom Duxbury
Heritage Impact Assessments – Research & Writing (1 Day)
Learn how to research and write compelling, policy-compliant assessments that support successful planning applications.
Dates: 21 July | 17 November
Cost: £150 | Tutor: Nell Hellier
Making Informed Specifications: Understanding Lime in Traditional Buildings (1 day)
Understand when, where, and how to specify lime for conservation projects — with guidance from experienced practitioners.
Date: 23 July
Cost: £150 | Tutors: Tom Duxbury & Joe Moriarty
Places are limited, so early booking is recommended!
Get Hands-On with Heritage: Courses for Homeowners, Custodians & Contractors
If you own, care for, or work on older buildings — or want to start — these practical, expert-led courses are a great way to build your confidence and skills. Whether you're navigating listed building consent, tackling lime plastering and pointing, or learning how to repair traditional sash windows, there’s something here for you.
Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place!
Courses take place at the Tywi Centre – the heart of traditional building skills in Wales.
Spaces are limited so book early!
📞 01558 824271/ 07929770743 | 📧 canolfantywicentre@sirgar.gov.uk
🌐 www.tywicentre.org.uk
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