A groundbreaking international training initiative for Antigua and Barbuda’s construction sector has been unveiled through a strategic partnership between The King’s Foundation (UK), the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This comprehensive Building Craft Programme offers fully-funded professional development for skilled artisans seeking specialization in heritage conservation and climate-resilient construction methodologies.
The intensive four-week curriculum, scheduled for April 2026, will be conducted at The King’s Foundation’s prestigious UK training facilities, including Dumfries House Estate in Scotland and Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire. The programme specifically targets experienced construction professionals from Antigua and Barbuda who demonstrate commitment to advancing their expertise in traditional building preservation and sustainable development practices.
Curriculum highlights include master-level workshops in traditional building techniques, sustainable material applications, and climate-adaptive construction methods directly relevant to Antigua and Barbuda’s architectural heritage. Participants will receive hands-on training from renowned craftspeople in specialized disciplines including carpentry, stonemasonry, decorative ironwork, traditional roofing systems, heritage plastering, technical drawing, and conservation architecture.
The selection process will identify only eight exceptional candidates who will receive comprehensive scholarships covering all tuition costs, accommodation expenses, round-trip airfare to the UK, and all necessary programme materials. Participants must be at least 18 years old, possess verified experience in building crafts, and commit to the programme’s full duration, including obtaining UK travel authorization.
Following the UK training component, participants will engage in practical Live Build projects within Antigua and Barbuda, collaborating with local partner organizations to implement their newly acquired skills in real-world conservation and development scenarios.
Dr. Simon Sadinsky, Executive Director of Education at The King’s Foundation, emphasized the programme’s significance: “We are delighted to offer this opportunity to talented individuals from Antigua and Barbuda who are looking to deepen their skills in traditional building crafts and climate-resilient construction.”
High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda to the UK, Karen Mae-Hill, added: “This initiative directly supports our government’s mandate for people-focused development while strengthening our national skills pipeline and climate resilience capabilities.”
Interested applicants must submit completed application forms by the deadline of February 20, 2026, obtainable by contacting programme coordinators Raynel Carroll or Jennie Hartley.