A NEW apprenticeship programme set up to train a new generation of professionals to protect properties across the UK has been backed by building preservation specialist Brick-Tie.

The company, headquartered in Sherburn-in-Elmet, has placed two trainees, Adam Orton and Dillan Thornton, on the new Apprenticeship Programme for the Preservation Industry, which has been introduced by national trade body The Property Care Association (PCA), with support and funding from Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The duo joins eight other apprentices from companies based across the UK taking part in the new training scheme.

They are undertaking a programme which will give them an insight into subjects including wet and dry rot, wood boring insects, rising damp and timber treatments.

Stephen Hodgson, chief executive of the PCA, said: "The apprenticeship has been launched to encourage young people into the preservation industry.

"This is mainly due to the increase in those retiring and to help with succession.

"It’s an exciting prospect which will provide the necessary skills to support the preservation and protection of properties across the country.

"Training and development is a central pillar of the PCA’s work and it’s an area that the association has substantially expanded in recent years.

"There’s a clear route for progression with training and development initiatives in place to provide those like Adam and Dillan, who are new to the industry, with plenty of opportunities to develop their skills and progress their future career.

"We hope that as well as addressing the immediate need for a new generation of professionals in the preservation industry the apprenticeship will raise awareness of a rewarding, skilled career in the construction-related sector which is not always on the radar like other trades."

Brick-Tie specialises in preservation work throughout York and the wider Yorkshire region, including damp-proofing, penetrating damp, dry rot, woodworm treatment, basement waterproofing and wall tie work, with its work covering both traditional and heritage buildings and modern ones too,