Host organisation: Historic Environment Scotland
Project title: Building practice and learning: rethinking professional development in construction 
Project description

The refreshed Skills Investment Plan for the historic environment (SIP) was published in April 2024 following extensive consultation with sector organisations, training providers and key stakeholders. It is a collaborative framework for collective action and identifies priorities and where resource needs to be invested.

Architecture, engineering, planning and surveying in a heritage context (AEPS) is one of ten pillar areas that form the SIP footprint. A small delivery group made up of Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), Royal Incorporation of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland (RIAS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) oversee the delivery of an AEPS action plan. One of the actions is to foster better collaboration between the trades and professions in relation to skills as part of a whole system approach. An event, Building Connections, is being planned for October 24th which will provide useful insight into what that might look like. This project will take this insight and the perspectives of the key stakeholders and consider an alternative approach to professional development based on collaboration.

The internship will run across four phases. The first phase will focus on analysing data gathered from the Building Connections event to establish a clear starting point for the project. In the second phase, the researcher will map existing training provision, assessing its level, type and reliability across key stakeholders. The third phase will involve interviews with trades bodies, professional organisations and other stakeholders to understand their needs and explore the contextual issues and opportunities that may shape this work. The final phase will bring the research together in a comprehensive report, outlining methodology, findings and recommendations, which will be presented to the AEPS delivery group and stakeholders.

Outputs
  • Data analysis of the workshop findings from the Building Connections event
  • A report including methodology, findings and recommendations
  • A presentation of findings to the AEPS delivery group
Location
Flexible can be remote/hybrid or inperson at the Engine Shed in Stirling or Longmore House in Edinburgh.
Benefits to the researcher

The researcher will benefit from the project by learning to apply their research skills within this applied situation. They will gain insight into the work of both HES, the wider historic environment and construction sector, and have an opportunity to expand their contacts and networks.

Key relationships

The researcher will work within the Strategy and Policy team, in the External Relations and Partnerships Directorate at HES, and work principally with the team co-ordinating delivery of the Skills Investment Plan. They will also work with HES colleagues working in their areas of interest. There will also be opportunities to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including members of the AEPS delivery group.

Timescale

Start date (or must start by): Flexible

End date (or must end by): Flexible

Work structure: Flexible

Subject areas

This opportunity would be relevant to the following subject areas:

Landscape and Environmental Archaeology; Industrial Archaeology; Architecture; Design; Heritage Management; Policy, Arts Management and Creative Industries; Economic and Social History; Scottish Studies.

Person specification

A1. Knowledge Base
  • Essential: Research methods – Practical application; Information seeking.
  • Desirable: Subject Knowledge; Research methods – theoretical knowledge.
A2. Cognitive Abilities
  • Essential: Analysing; Synthesising; Critical thinking; Evaluating; Problem Solving.
A3. Creativity
  • Essential: Inquiring minds; Intellectual insight.
  • Desirable: Argument construction; Innovation.
B1. Personal qualities
  • Essential: Enthusiasm; Perseverance; Integrity; Responsibility.
B2. Self management
  • Essential: Preparation and prioritisation; Commitment to research.
B3. Professional & career development
  • Essential: Responsiveness to opportunities; Networking.
C1. Professional conduct
  • Essential: Health and Safety; Ethics, principles and sustainability; Legal requirements; Appropriate practice; Respect and confidentiality.
C2. Research management
  • Essential:  Project planning and delivery.
  • Desirable: Risk management.
D1. Working with others
  • Essential: Collaboration; Equality and diversity.

First published: 9 October 2025

<< Internships and Artist Residencies 2026