Trainee Heritage Lime Plasterer and Natural Building Craftsperson

Heritage Crafts; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Breathe, a specialist natural building and heritage restoration company, is recruiting a Trainee Heritage Lime Plasterer and Natural Building Craftsperson for London and surrounding areas. This is a paid, full-time role with workplace-based training designed to develop practical skills in traditional lime plastering and sustainable building practices.

You will learn traditional lime plastering, clay finishes, historic masonry repairs, natural insulation systems and the principles of breathable

Qualifications

• Experience in plastering, masonry, general construction, conservation or other practical crafts welcome.
• Lime plastering experience is an advantage but not essential.
• Genuine interest in learning, attention to detail, reliability, a good work ethic and pride in high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Traditional lime plastering, including substrate preparation, basecoats, reinforcement and finishing.
• Clay plastering and decorative natural finishes.
• Historic masonry repairs and removal of inappropriate modern materials.
• Wood fibre, hemp and other natural insulation systems.
• Understanding moisture movement, vapour permeability and breathable construction principles.
• Traditional building methods, conservation principles and careful restoration techniques.
• Professional site preparation, safe working practices, organisation and quality control.

Skills

Plastering

Masonry

Construction

Conservation

Job description

Trainee Heritage Lime Plasterer and Natural Building Craftsperson

Location: London and surrounding areas
Position: Full-time, paid employment with workplace-based training

Breathe is a specialist natural building and heritage restoration company working with traditional lime and clay plasters, natural fibre insulation and breathable building materials. Theyare looking for someone who takes a genuine interest in traditional craftsmanship, historic buildings and sustainable construction, and who wants to develop their skills through practical, hands-on experience.

Their projects involve the restoration of period properties, traditional plastering, the repair of historic building fabric and the installation of natural insulation systems.

What you will learn and work on:

• Traditional lime plastering, including substrate preparation, basecoats, reinforcement and finishing.
• Clay plastering and decorative natural finishes.
• Historic masonry repairs and the removal of inappropriate modern materials.
• Wood fibre, hemp and other natural insulation systems.
• Understanding moisture movement, vapour permeability and the principles of breathable construction.
• Traditional building methods, conservation principles and careful restoration techniques.
• Professional site preparation, safe working practices, organisation and quality control.

Who they are looking for:

• They welcome applicants with experience in plastering, masonry, general construction, conservation or other practical crafts, as well as individuals seeking to establish a career in traditional building.
• Previous lime plastering experience is an advantage but is not essential for this trainee position.
• More important is a genuine interest in learning, attention to detail, reliability, a good work ethic and pride in producing high-quality work.
• Applicants should be comfortable with the physical demands of site work and able to travel to projects across London.

What they offer:

• This is a paid, practical role working alongside experienced tradespeople on real restoration and retrofit projects.
• You will have the opportunity to develop specialist skills, understand the technical reasoning behind traditional building methods and gradually take on greater responsibility as your abilities develop.
• They are particularly interested in people who see heritage craftsmanship and natural building as a long-term career.