The rise and fall of the Irish construction industry may still be the stuff of nightmares for property developers and builders alike, but Waterford IT’s course in heritage construction may go some way to mending the damage for construction workers.

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Conservation Skills is a one-year Level 7 course aimed at upskilling qualified construction tradespeople to work on conservation projects and heritage structures. The course will include classes on conservation practice on-site and site management practice.

As National Heritage Week is under way, tradespeople may view the course as a step towards a construction job with opportunities around the country – and the world.

One student this year won the Madelaine Gervais scholarship, which allowed him to work for four weeks in San Gemini, Italy.

Applications are now open for advanced entry to the 2016-2017 programme and forms can be found on www.wit.ie/advancedentry.