Plasterer Modern Apprentice - Traditional Skills

Historic Environment Scotland; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Historic Environment Scotland is offering a fixed-term apprenticeship in plastering focusing on traditional building skills. This unique role allows you to combine practical on-site training with structured learning to earn a Modern Apprenticeship while contributing to the preservation of Scotland’s historical buildings. Applicants should demonstrate a passionate interest in construction and be ready to engage in learning vital trade skills.

Benefits

28% employer contribution to pension scheme

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Reimbursement for professional subscriptions

Support for further education

Flexible working hours

Free entry to properties

Qualifications

• Desire to complete a SCQF Level 6 Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Building, Plastering.
• Ability to adapt and work within a team.
• Willingness to travel across Scotland for work.

Responsibilities

• Assist qualified tradespeople with plastering tasks and site preparation.
• Attend lessons and assessments at a designated training provider.
• Work safely and follow health and safety standards.

Skills

Interest in plastering

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Ability to work outdoors

Education

SCQF Level 6 in Construction: Building (to be completed)

Job description

Starting salary: £25,770 pro rata, per year

Contract type: Fixed term apprenticeship for 4 years

Grade: 1

Location: Edinburgh

Working Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week, annualised hours

Interviews: To be held in person week commencing 14th or 21st July 2025

This role is designed for individuals passionate about traditional building skills, who want to begin a rewarding career in construction and building conservation. The post holder will be trained full time by LimeRich Ltd in Edinburgh 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 award. This is a unique chance to contribute to the preservation of Scotland’s historic built environment whilst developing valuable trade skills in plastering.

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

Key Responsibilities of this role

Responsibilities and Duties

· Working Safely; 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 preparing surfaces, mixing and applying materials, installing laths, and repairing mouldings.

· 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.

· Team Collaboration; Work reliably and effectively as part of a team, taking direction from experienced tradespeople, placement supervisors, and HES line management.

· Conservation Awareness; Gain an understanding of the principles of conservation and the importance of preserving Scotland’s historic built environment. o Occasionally share your knowledge with audiences at outreach events, e.g. school career fairs.

Objectives

· Develop Core Trade Skills,

Build competence in Plastering technique and understanding through hands[1]on experience and formal training

Successfully complete the Modern Apprenticeship framework by achieving both the SVQ and PDA elements.

Successfully complete the necessary modules and examinations for necessary health and safety, and other construction certifications

Develop and understand 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

Key requirements of the role:

In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to complete a cover letter which addresses:

1. Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland

2. How you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 800 words), using examples of where you have used these skills in the past.

Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing, as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

• A genuine interest in a career in plastering, construction and building conservation
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Desire to complete a SCQF Level 6 Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Building, Plastering
• 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.

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