"PROSTONE"'s training programmes are aimed at operators in the building sector, and focus on the conservation and restoration of monuments. Their aim is to provide information on the traditional building methods which should be used in this kind of conservation and restoration work, but which, through ignorance, lack of experience or for financial reasons are often replaced by modern building materials and methods. The partners seek to develop training modules, textual materials, practical training and video materials providing SME managers in the building sector, skilled workers and trainers with additional skills in traditional building methods and materials. The course content will be available in complete units, each with a test or revision exercise.Knowhow will be transferred between the partners in the EU Member States (DE, IT, FI, LU) and those in eastern Europe (BG, CZ and SK) to make eastern European SMEs involved in restoration work more competitive and prepare them for the single European market. The emphasis here will be on additional modules on ecology, management in construction, composite materials and environmental technology.It is hoped that the results of PROSTONE will be incorporated into initial and further vocational training programmes. The materials and recommendations, which will be available in the languages of all the project partners, will also be disseminated via trade associations and chambers.