A new Building Craft Programme for Antigua and Barbuda has been launched by The King’s Foundation (UK) in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offering a unique, fully funded international training opportunity for skilled individuals in the construction and craft sector.
The programme is a four-week intensive course delivered in April 2026 at The King’s Foundation’s training sites in the United Kingdom, including Dumfries House Estate in Scotland and Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire. It is designed specifically for participants from Antigua and Barbuda who already have experience or training in building crafts and are seeking to advance their skills in heritage conservation and climate-resilient construction.
The course will focus on traditional building techniques, materials, and sustainable construction methods, with particular relevance to the historic built environment of Antigua and Barbuda. Past participant Dion Desamours, from The Bahamas, reflected on his experience of the programme, stating, “It not only strengthened my technical skills but also gave me a deeper appreciation of how craftsmanship and heritage can work together to preserve historic structures.”
Workshops will be led by master craftspeople and will cover areas such as carpentry, stonemasonry, ironwork, roofing, plastering, technical drawing, and architecture. The programme is intended for individuals who already have a foundation in these areas and are committed to applying their skills to the conservation, repair, and sustainable development of buildings in Antigua and Barbuda.
Only eight candidates will be selected for the programme. All successful participants will receive a full scholarship, which includes tuition, accommodation, return flights to the United Kingdom, and programme materials.
Upon returning to Antigua and Barbuda, participants will take part in Live Build projects led by local partner organisations. These projects will provide an opportunity to apply newly acquired skills in real-world settings and demonstrate the value and impact of traditional building crafts in practice.
Dr Simon Sadinsky, Executive Director of Education at The King’s Foundation, said, “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. We look forward to welcoming the next cohort to our UK training centres.”
High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, Karen Mae-Hill, added, “Guided by the Government’s mandate for people-focused growth and development, the Building Craft Programme with The King’s Foundation is strengthening our national skills pipeline, supporting heritage conservation, and building climate-resilient capacity. Most importantly, it gives participants world-class training, confidence, and real career opportunity, so they return ready to contribute, earn, and help shape the future of Antigua and Barbuda.”
Applicants must be over 18 years old, have existing experience or training in a building craft, and be available for the full duration of the programme. Participants will also be required to apply for and receive a United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to travel.
Applications are now open. Interested individuals may request an application form by contacting Raynel Carroll at +1 (268) 727-8785 or Jennie Hartley at jennie.hartley@kings-
Application Deadline: Friday 20 February 2026.
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