Trainee Stonemason

Commonwealth War Graves Commission; Alloa; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Employee assistance programme

Training in stonemasonry skills

Job summary

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is offering a 2-year placement based in Scotland (Alloa) with travel opportunities across the UK and occasionally Scandinavia. You will learn the craft of stonemasonry, supporting erection, restoration, and maintenance of historic sites under expert mentorship.

Join a team that values quality, care, and learning as you develop practical skills in stone work, engraving, and site upkeep at Brookwood Cemetery and other locations.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Stonemasonry.
• Strong interest in the stonemasonry industry.
• Commitment to learning and developing stonemasonry skills.
• Awareness of Health and Safety practices.
• Ability to communicate openly with team members and external contacts.
• Full manual drivers license (or working towards one).

Responsibilities

• Support construction of new masonry structures and maintenance of existing ones.
• Learn to source appropriate stone and shape it with various tools.
• Engage in engraving or re-engraving text on headstones or memorial panels.
• Assist with fixing and maintaining bronze or GRP swords and memorial panels.
• Support painting, brickwork, and plastering tasks as needed.
• Contribute ideas for renovation of cemeteries and memorials.

Skills

Stonemasonry interest

Learning mindset

Health & Safety awareness

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Stonemasonry

Job description

Location

Scotland, Alloa as a base site, along with travel opportunities across the UK and, occasionally, Scandinavia

Salary

£29,580

Contract

2-Year Placement

Hours

Mon – Fri, Full Time (37 hours per week)

What You’ll Be Doing

This role is the second of its kind within The CWGC, and we’re thrilled to be offering this to people looking to break into the industry. This is an exciting opportunity to learn the ancient craft of stonemasonry while contributing to the upkeep and restoration of historic structures. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, supporting the construction, renovation, and maintenance of our sites, ensuring that our high standards of quality and care are met.

A scope of some of the duties:

• Support the construction of new masonry structures and the maintenance of existing ones


• Learn to source appropriate stone and work it to shape using a variety of tools


• Engage in engraving or re-engraving text on headstones or memorial panels


• Assist with the fixing and maintenance of bronze or GRP swords, memorial panels, and other structures


• Support maintenance tasks such as painting, brickwork, and plastering


• Contribute ideas for the renovation and improvement of cemeteries and memorials

Throughout all of this, you will have a mentor to help guide you and give you support.

The role will be primarily based at our Brookwood Cemetery. However, to ensure you gain the most comprehensive learning experience, we will provide opportunities for you to visit key locations across the UK, and possibly even in Scandinavia, to explore diverse sites, techniques, and structures.

What You Need to Have

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Stonemasonry


• A strong interest in the stonemasonry industry


• Commitment to learning and developing stonemasonry skills


• Awareness of Health and Safety practices


• Ability to communicate openly and effectively with team members and external contacts


• Full manual drivers license (or working towards one)

Who We Are

In history's whispers, there exists an organisation that transcends time - The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, where heroes stories are etched into the very soil they defended. Share this ground with us, where you will contribute to maintaining our high standards and work in an environment that is supportive and collaborative, with colleagues you’ll value and enjoy working with.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave, rising by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 30


• Paid public holidays, privilege day, half day Maundy Thursday, paid time off between Christmas and New Year, along with a paid week off prior to Christmas


• Access to a work van, PPE, uniform, and high-end tools that are regularly maintained


• Generous Pension Scheme, with CWGC contributing up to 10%


• Life Assurance


• Employee Assistance Programme


• Comprehensive training in stonemasonry skills


• Opportunities for professional development and career progression


• A supportive work environment that values commitment, ambition, respect, and excellence

This role will close when we have received a reasonable number of suitable applications.

We believe creating a diverse environment enriches our organisation and strengthens our mission, therefore, we welcome applications from everybody. Join our inclusive environment where every individual is valued.