Engineering Heritage Skills Initiative
In January 2015, a powerful chapter in the story of traditional engineering came to a close—but its legacy continues to thrive. The Engineering Heritage Skills Initiative (EHSI), captured in a compelling heritage training documentary, held its final graduation ceremony at the private Preston Family collection.
This moment marked the culmination of a four-year initiative run by the North of England Civic Trust (now Cultura Trust), designed to preserve and pass on practical engineering skills that were in danger of being lost.
As a specialist in heritage film production, I was drawn to this project because of its deep connection to place, craft, and community. The resulting heritage training documentary doesn’t just showcase restored locomotives or intricate metalwork—it documents real lives transformed through meaningful work and mentorship.
Over the course of the scheme, 53 bursaries were awarded across 22 different placement providers. These placements weren’t just token training opportunities. They offered hands-on experience in machining, welding, boiler restoration, and other traditional engineering crafts. Many of the participants had no prior qualifications—62% were unemployed at the start of the programme. By the end, a remarkable 91% had found employment in the engineering or heritage sector.
This story of impact, skill-sharing, and social change sits at the heart of our heritage training documentary. From former jobseekers to young enthusiasts, the trainees describe how the scheme opened doors to careers they never imagined possible.
“I was on the dole for 18 months. Now I’ve got a full-time job doing something I love.”
The emotional impact of this work is as powerful as the technical skill involved. Many participants spoke of how it gave them confidence, pride, and purpose. One trainee reflected on seeing a carriage he restored now on display:
“I can go to that museum with my kids one day and say, ‘I worked on that.’ That’s something to be proud of.”
As a filmmaker specialising in heritage film production, I’ve always believed in the value of capturing not just whatpeople do, but why it matters. This heritage training documentary highlights more than restored vehicles—it reveals the personal journeys of those learning to repair and preserve them.
The scheme was also a lifeline for the sector. Many heritage sites are staffed by older experts nearing retirement. Without new apprentices to pass on knowledge, these unique skills could have vanished. The EHSI acted as a bridge between generations—some trainees were mentored by engineers 40 years their senior.
It wasn’t just the trainees who benefited. Organisations across the region gained fresh talent, energy, and in many cases, long-term staff. Several went on to form their own businesses, such as MBA Engineering Services, which now supports heritage sites across the UK.
“We’re not only restoring pieces of history, we’re passing on the spark,” said one mentor. “That’s what this is all about.”
This heritage training documentary stands as a testament to the power of collaboration—between funders, placement providers, mentors, and trainees. It also demonstrates the lasting value of thoughtful, community-focused heritage film production: a way of honouring the past while investing in the future.
With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the dedication of those involved, the EHSI has done more than train engineers—it has created a model for future skills projects and inspired a new generation to keep heritage alive.
Many of the trainees featured in the documentary came from non-traditional backgrounds. Some were long-term unemployed, others struggled with dyslexia or had previously found formal education challenging. What united them was a hunger to learn something tangible, to build something lasting with their hands—and a willingness to step into unfamiliar territory. The scheme offered not just training, but trust and belief in their potential.
The atmosphere during placements was often described as welcoming and collaborative. Trainees worked alongside skilled professionals and volunteers, many of whom generously shared their expertise. One participant said:
“You don’t just learn the skills—you absorb them. You watch, you listen, and then one day you realise you can do it yourself.”
For many, the placements led to formal qualifications. Some earned Level 2 or Level 3 accreditations in welding or engineering, while others transitioned into full-time apprenticeships. But the real prize was confidence. It was the ability to walk into a workshop, pick up tools, and know you belonged there.
There’s also an emotional resonance to this kind of work that few other jobs can offer. When you’re restoring a century-old machine, you’re not just fixing metal—you’re preserving stories, memory, and cultural identity. This is what makes heritage film production so vital: it allows these narratives to be recorded, shared, and celebrated.
In one poignant moment of the heritage training documentary, a participant talks about going to a heritage railway in future years and showing his children the train he helped bring back to life. “That’ll be something I can always say I was part of,” he said, beaming with pride.
As a filmmaker, capturing these testimonies felt like bearing witness to something precious—evidence that heritage work is not just relevant, but essential. We need engineers who understand the past, who value manual skill, and who want to contribute to a legacy that lasts longer than a single generation.
Ultimately, the real legacy of the EHSI isn’t just in the restored locomotives or refurbished tools—it’s in the people. The graduates of this programme now carry forward knowledge that was on the brink of disappearing. Many are now trainers themselves, sharing what they’ve learned with new recruits and helping the cycle continue.
For any organisation, museum, or trust looking to document similar projects, this kind of heritage film production can become a valuable resource. It’s a record, a promotional tool, and a human story all in one. Whether used to report back to funders or to inspire new trainees, a well-crafted heritage training documentary captures far more than facts—it preserves the heartbeat of a movement.
👉 Explore more of my heritage-related films:
https://alanfentiman.co.uk/vimeo-videos/heritage-films