Programme

The programme is divided into three blocks of two months, enabling Fellows to return to work in between blocks.

In the first two blocks, Fellows travel around the country together, learning about traditional materials, skills and repair techniques through workshops and site visits.

The third block consists of longer hands-on placements, tailored to each Fellow’s individual interests and training needs.

The Millwright Fellowship runs continuously for nine months, with millwright training placements between blocks, while other Fellows are back at work.

The programme covers a wide variety of craft skills, including timber framing, lime plastering, thatching, blacksmithing, pargeting, flint knapping, stained glass, stonemasonry, bricklaying, slating and tiling.

Fellows will sometimes travel with the SPAB Scholars (architects, surveyors and structural engineers), sharing knowledge, working together, developing their philosophy of repair and learning about each other's professions - bridging the gap commonly faced in the workplace.

This is a full-time, intensive programme, including some weekend work, so cannot be combined with other work or study.

Supervision and Assessment

Instead of formal submissions, Fellows keep a notebook throughout the programme, recording visits and repair methods through writing and sketching.

They also report on their progress to the SPAB team at various points throughout the programme, and share updates for the SPAB’s communications channels.

The SPAB Fellowship is run by Fellowship Officer Pip Soodeen and overseen by the SPAB’s Education and Training Committee. Fellows are also assigned a SPAB Fellowship mentor (usually a past Fellow).

Funding

There are no course fees for the SPAB Fellowship.

Fellows each receive a £8,400 bursary to cover basic travel and livings costs during the programme.

The Millwright Fellow receives a further £4,200 to cover additional travel and living costs during the millwrighting training placements.

Supplementary finance of around £5,000 is usually required.

Application and Recruitment

Three or four Fellowships are awarded each year.

The SPAB recruits Fellows on merit and is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity in the sector. We particularly welcome applications by people from backgrounds under-represented in building conservation (such as those from disadvantaged socio-economic background, women and Black and minority ethnic communities).

Please note that the offer of a SPAB Fellowship is subject to the applicant providing evidence of their right to live and work in the UK. The SPAB is not a registered sponsor body for the purpose of visa applications.  Applicants from outside the UK and Ireland should check their eligibility for a UK visa before applying to the scheme. Please check the UK government website for more information.

Further Information

You can find out more about our past and current Fellows on our blog.