Construction Apprentice (Brickwork)

Canal & River Trust; Devizes; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured learning

Site experience

Job summary

The Canal & River Trust in Devizes is offering a Bricklaying Apprenticeship starting October 2026. Based at Devizes Depot, you’ll work outside on maintenance and repair across our network, developing multi‑skilled construction skills with supportive teams.

No prior experience is required; a driving licence is beneficial and Maths/English GCSEs (or equivalent) are encouraged. The programme includes formal training and on‑the‑job development with long‑term progression.

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; willingness to learn practical, hands-on work.
• Willing to travel within the Wales & South West region as needed.
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) encouraged for the programme.

Responsibilities

• Carry out bricklaying maintenance and repair works across the network.
• Develop multi-skilled construction skills through on‑the‑job training.
• Work outdoors and adhere to project programmes and site safety.

Skills

Hands-on work

Driving licence

Maths GCSE

Education

GCSE Maths

GCSE English

Job description

About the Trust

We’re one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We’re looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Start Date: October 2026

Apprenticeship Programme: Formal apprenticeship training start date viaWiltshire College may depending when the next learner cohort begins. Prior to this, you’ll gain valuable experience through shadowing, on-the-job learning, and practical workplace development.

Typical Duration: 36 months

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Our apprenticeship programmes help preserve essential skills and develop tomorrow’s experts. We welcome new talent with fresh ideas and in return offer real responsibility, structured learning, and long‑term progression.

This programme is designed to develop you into a well rounded, multiskilled construction professional who understands the operational, environmental, and heritage considerations of working along the UK’s waterways.

This role follows anannualisedhours system,including5days out of 7(could be weekends and statutory holidays). You’llbe based at Devizes Depot, Devizes, SN10 1QRand travel across the Wales & South West region, with occasional support in other areas.

RoleOverview

As a construction apprentice, you will be working outside, carrying out maintenance and repair works under guidance from our construction teams. You’ll contribute towards the delivery of the annual works programme where you will hone your construction skills to ensure our network stays open and alive.

Key responsibilities

• Complete awide range of maintenance, upkeep, and repair works across our network namely Brickwork tasks associated with all aspects of keeping our waterways operational. Work alongside our operation teams.
• Whilstthis is a Bricklaying apprenticeship, ourconstruction apprentices are shown skills across all areas of construction in the aim to support you become multi-skilled.You will spend timewithin our yards and workshops and attend placements internally and externally to really hone your skills.
• Work onrepairsthatinvolve sensitive heritage or environment solutions–you’lllearnbasic conservation and heritage knowledge andwill implement this knowledge in your work.
• Undertake work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme.
• Demonstrate and promote the Trust’s values, ensuring inclusion and diversity are embedded in daily practice.

About You

• Youdon’tneed any prior experience,we’llteach you. What matters is youhavea genuine interest inpractical, hands‑on work.Youenjoy solving problems andfeelcomfortable workingoutside.
• You need to have a driving licence or being willing to gain one within 12 months of starting; this is mandatory due to the breadth of our network.
• You’ll ideally have grade A-C or grade 9-4 in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on target to achieve.

Training & Development

You will work towards the Level 2 Bricklaying apprenticeship standard with one of our expert training providers.You may be expected to stay away from home to attend training - alltrainingrelated travel costs are paid for by the Trust.Whilst on-the-job, you will work with supportive colleagues to get the best out of your apprenticeship experience

The Canal & River Trust is committed to supporting apprentices to become experts in their field, offering structured development pathways and long‑term career prospects.

Apprentice story:Jamesjoined usin 2014 and completed a construction apprenticeship. He has been with us as a Craft Operative sinceand loves everything about working at the Trust – he has more recently started a Site Supervisor apprenticeship and is looking to take the next step in his career.See more here: James' Story

Contact & Application

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [e-mail] encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day‑to‑day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discour...

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.