Joinery Modern Apprentice - Traditional Skills

Historic Environment Scotland; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Historic Environment Scotland offers an exciting opportunity for a Joinery Modern Apprentice. This full-time, four-year apprenticeship combines training in building conservation and traditional skills, providing hands-on experience while aiming for SCQF Level 6 qualifications. You'll work with a leading joinery company while contributing to Scotland's historic environment.

Benefits

28% employer contribution to pension scheme

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Support for further education

Flexible working hours

Free entry to heritage properties

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in construction and joinery.
• Willingness to complete training for SCQF Level 6 qualification.
• Ability to work outdoors and manual labor.

Responsibilities

• Assist tradespeople in building and repairing structures.
• Attend training and assessments at a designated provider.
• Participate in maintaining health and safety standards.

Skills

Interest in joinery

Willingness to learn

Ability to work in a team

Education

SCQF Level 6 Modern Apprenticeship in Construction

Job description

Location: Business Host based in Inverness, and Training Centre located is to be confirmed., IV2 3RE

Salary: £25,770 per year

Contract Type: Apprenticeship

Position Type: Full Time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract type: Fixed Term for four years

Working Hours: Full time, annualised hours to a average of 35 hours per week

Interviews: To hopefully be held in person on 17th July 2025.

HES are offering an exciting opportunity to become a Joinery Modern Apprentice. This role is designed for individuals passionate about traditional building skills, who want to begin a rewarding career in joinery, carpentry, construction and building conservation. The post holder will be trained full time by Johnstone Joinery Ltd in Inverness while being an employee of Historic Environment Scotland.

This 4-year post will combine practical on-site training with structured learning, leading to a Modern Apprenticeship SCQF Level 6 Construction: Building, Site Carpentry and Joinery award. Apprentices have the opportunity to gain practical work experience and gain accredited qualifications, all while working full time and being paid.

This is a unique chance to contribute to the preservation of Scotland’s historic built environment whilst developing valuable trade skills in site carpentry and joinery.

Key Responsibilities of this role

• Work in accordance with the provided Health and Safety standards acquired through training and certification, at all times.
• Assist Colleagues with Tasks
• Following training, support qualified tradespeople in the repair, conservation and construction of stone structures.
• Site Preparation
• Help prepare work areas with setting up, washing down, equipment maintenance, and inventory checks, to ensure a clean and safe working environment.
• Learning and Development
• Attend lessons and assessments at a designated training provider, as well as professional development opportunities hosted by the Engine Shed and HES.
• Work reliably and effectively as part of a team, taking direction from experienced tradespeople, placement supervisors, and HES line management.
• Gain an understanding of the principles of conservation and the importance of preserving Scotland’s historic built environment.
• Occasionally share your knowledge with audiences at outreach events, e.g. school career fairs.

Key requirements of the role:

• Develop Core Trade Skills:
• Build competence in stonemasonry technique and understanding through hands-on experience and formal training
• Achieve a Qualification:
• Successfully complete the Modern Apprenticeship framework by achieving both the SVQ and PDA elements.
• Achieve Certifications:
• Successfully complete the necessary modules and examinations for necessary health and safety, and other construction certifications
• Promote Heritage Values:
• Develop andunderstand a respect for the cultural significance of the sites and structures being worked on
• Grow Professionally:
• Demonstrate reliability, initiative and commitment to continuous learning and development

Knowledge, skills and experience

You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the requirements and qualifications below as part of the selection process.

• Able to demonstrate a genuine interest in a career in joinery, construction and building conservation
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Desire to complete a SCQF Level 6 Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Building, Carpentry and Joinery
• Ability to work well and adapt within a team
• Confident and able to work outdoors in a manual labour position, with reasonable adjustments considered to support individual needs where required.
• Willingness to travel on occasion, with advance notice, to locations across Scotland

We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.

We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at [e-mail] or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.

Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays
• Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
• Support for further education and personal development
• Study leave for work related courses
• Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
• Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
• Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties

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