01/03/2026
There’s been a lot of noise recently about youth unemployment reaching a five-year high, and what that means for the prospects of young people in the UK.
Benji is about to turn 21.
He’s been working since finishing his A levels, but it does feel like a worrying time for many of his friends who are about to graduate and step into the world of “serious” careers.
At the same time, artisan trades like ours are facing a skills shortage.
That tension should make us pause.
At Mindful Memorials, we don’t want to be part of the problem, we want to be part of the solution. We’ve already been contributing industry expertise, working alongside the incredibly patient Mark Hatton at CITB and a dedicated team of fellow industry professionals to help update the Monumental Masonry competence framework.
But here’s the challenge:
While stonemasonry apprenticeships exist, there are currently no colleges in the UK offering the Monumental Masonry apprenticeship option.
And our sector desperately needs new talent.
We need young people trained not only in traditional masonry skills, but in heritage hand carving, lettering, symbolic sculpture, and the emotional intelligence required to support bereaved families.
There is no apprenticeship pathway for what we might call Remembrance Arts. But perhaps there should be?
If we’re serious about tackling youth unemployment, maybe part of the answer lies in creating meaningful, purpose-led vocations, not just more degrees.
We’re exploring how we can help shape something better.
If you’re in skills development, heritage crafts or apprenticeship reform - or just interested in helping create a better future for our young people - let’s talk.
