About Us
Whitby Heritage skills Centre is a community focused, not for profit organisation based in Whitby, North Yorkshire.
We are being created in response to a clear local need: to provide hands-on, practical training that builds confidence, skills and real pathways into work, further training and self employment - while also preserving traditional and heritage crafts that are at risk of being lost.
Our aim is to develop a welcoming, inclusive training hub offering practical, vocational and heritage skills to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Who We Support
Our focus is on supporting those who are:
- Unemployed or under-employed
- Not in education, employment or training (NEET)
- Lacking access to practical skills, confidence or opportunity
At the same time, we provide a welcoming space for the wider community - a place to learn, share skills, repair, create and connect.
What We Do
We deliver hands-on, real world training in skills that are valuable both traditionally and today, including:
Blacksmithing and metalwork
Carpentry and joinery
Stonemasonry
Upholstery and restoration
Basic Mechanics and safe tool handling
Traditional crafts and Heritage skills
Community repair sessions and practical workshops
All training is designed to be accessible, practical and confidence-building, led by experienced craftspeople and practitioners.
Why It Matters
Many traditional skills are disappearing, while at the same time many people - particularly young people - are struggling to find meaningful routes into work
Our programmes are designed to:
Build confidence and wellbeing
Develop Practical, transferrable skills
Improve employability
Create pathways into work, apprenticeships or further education
Strengthen community connection and resilience
Our Vision
Preserving heritage skills, Building confidence. Creating opportunity.
We want to create a permanent space in Whitby where practical learning, heritage skills and community development come together.
We are currently seeking funding, partnerships and suitable premises to bring this vision to life and ensure long-term benefit for the local community.
Heritage Craft Workshops
Planned courses include, woodworking, blacksmithing, stone work, and other traditional skills. These programmes will offer hands-on learning led by experienced craftspeople.
Community Training and Development
We aim to provide accessible opportunities for young people and adults to gain confidence, practical abilities and pathways into employment or further education.
Partnerships and Support
We are actively looking for funding, sponsors, and collaboration with local businesses, charities and organisations to help establish our permanent training space.
Help Us Build a Community Skills Hub for Whitby
We are building a community-led heritage and practical skills centre for Whitby, and we invite you to be part of our journey. Our mission is to create a welcoming space where people of all ages can learn hands-on skills, gain confidence, and connect with others.
As a new project, we are currently seeking supporters, funders, volunteers and local partners to help us establish our permanent workshop and expand our training programmes. Your involvement can make a lasting difference to our community
