HES’ most recent Employers’ Skills Survey found that 79% of respondents reported skills or knowledge gaps. 

Traditional and specialist skills were the most commonly identified gap, reported by 54% of organisations. 

A total of 58% reported issues with training provision, while 49% said there are no clear and accessible pathways into and through the sector.

Nearly two-thirds anticipate skills gaps to have a considerable effect on organisational growth (40%) or a massive effect on sustainability (25%). 

Employers reported a lack of skilled or qualified professionals (77%) and an ageing workforce (67%) as some of the biggest contributors to future skills and labour issues. 

During Heritage Careers Week, which takes place between 5 and 9 October, HES is highlighting the findings.

This year also marks 30 years of HES’ Craft Fellowship programme, which since 1996 has supported over  60 people to develop specialist skills in crafts such as stone carving, blacksmithing, stained glass and thatching. 

Dr David Mitchell, director of cultural assets at HES, said: “Scotland needs traditional and specialist skills to care for the buildings and places that are part of everyday life across the country. 

“When almost eight in ten employers responding to our survey report skills or knowledge gaps, it is clear we need to focus now to strengthen the workforce for the future.”

Mitchell added: “Thirty years of our Craft Fellowship programme shows what sustained investment in people can achieve.

“We need to build on approaches like this, along with apprenticeships and other training pathways, to ensure Scotland has the skilled workforce it needs to care for its historic environment for decades to come.”