The Prince of Wales is to launch an apprentices scheme that aims to teach young people the skills needed to maintain the nation's historic buildings.
The programme at Clarence House will enable them to learn crafts like stone masonry, decorative bricklaying, carpentry, plasterwork and leadwork skills.
A report by the National Heritage Training Group, published in 2005, found that thousands more traditional craftsmen and women are needed to repair the nation's historic architecture, as well as respond to the growing demand from the new-build sector.
Charles' educational charity the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment has established the Prince of Wales's Building Crafts Apprentices Programme.
The charity is spending more than £400,000 a year setting up the scheme and up to 20 students a year will spend eight months taking part in the programme.
It will be open to students who have completed a Level 3 National Vocational Qualification in a traditional building skill.
They will build on their existing knowledge with courses, a summer school, work experience with master craftsmen and coaching in business.
The first building crafts apprentices will begin their training in Spring 2007.
The Prince will launch the programme at a reception at Clarence House.
