Come and join us on a National Trust Heritage Craft apprenticeship, funded by the Vine Hill Trust where we will support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to protect historic sites, tackle climate change, and help people and nature thrive. You do not need experience for this role, just plenty of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.
Apprenticeship detail
As one of our Carpentry & Joinery apprentices you will work at one of our Specialist Craft Centres and learn bench joinery and specialist repairs to joinery on windows, doors, mouldings and panelling and fabricating new bespoke joinery. You will also undertake onsite original timber repairs, including roofs, staircases and historic gates, install bespoke joinery and service repair historic windows and doors.
This role will lead to level 3 Craft Carpentry & Joinery apprenticeship followed by a 12 months’ work placement.
Further information on the Apprenticeship Standard here: Carpentry and joinery / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
What it's like to work here:Our Specialist Craft Centres have been created to develop a skilled workforce for the National Trust which demonstrates the highest levels of skills, promotes and preserves heritage building crafts, inspires people to take up traditional crafts skills and helps us to repair and conserve our special places, for everyone, for ever. We own and care for one of the largest, most varied and most significant collections of built structures in Europe. The greatest proportion of our 28,500 buildings and structures were constructed pre-1919 and these have high heritage value, with a range of uses – from offices to workshops, mansions to cottages. Our crafts people are an integral part of looking after our assets, using their skills to conserve and maintain our buildings and structures, and being part of creating a lasting legacy.
Your training will be based at a specialist college and be delivered via a combination of day release and online learning, with all college expenses and travel paid. There will also be opportunities to travel to other National Trust locations with some overnight stays to expand your learning and experience. You will also be able to join other training events and learn from industry colleagues internally and externally.
Based at our traditional Specialist Craft Centre near Dunham Massey, you’ll be part of a team producing specialist joinery for historic places across the North region. This workshop plays a key role in caring for some of the area’s most significant heritage buildings, giving you the chance to work in settings rich with history and character.
You’ll also work across a range of National Trust properties in Cheshire and the wider North. Every building is unique, which means no two jobs are ever the same. You’ll learn something new on every project and develop a wide range of joinery and carpentry techniques to meet the varied challenges that come with conserving centuries old structures.
From creating finely detailed timber components and bespoke architectural joinery to carrying out sensitive conservation repairs on much loved properties, your work will help protect these remarkable places for generations to come.
What you'll be doing:You’ll work closely with your Line Manager and Mentors on tasks directly linked to your apprenticeship, often outdoors and in all weathers, as part of a supportive and skilled team. You’ll take responsibility for your learning by preparing for review meetings and keeping your e portfolio up to date with evidence of your progress, including timesheets for off the job training.
You’ll attend college as part of your apprenticeship, with travel expenses covered in line with Trust policy. There may also be occasions when you’ll work away from home, staying in pre booked accommodation, with all associated expenses reimbursed.
You’ll follow the Trust’s ways of working, uphold our Values and Behaviours, complete mandatory training and e learning, and prepare for your End Point Assessment.
This apprentice position is funded by a generous grant from the Vinehill Trust.
Who we're looking forWe would love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:
- A minimum of 2 GCSEs including English and maths at grade E/2, Functional Skills Level 1 or equivalent
- (If you hold an EHCP, Entry Level 3 in English and maths is acceptable.)
- Aged 16 or over and have completed Year 11
- Not in full‑time education
- Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the past three consecutive years
- Not currently on any other training or education programme (e.g. another apprenticeship or a degree)
- Able to travel to the work location
If you have a qualification in the same or a related subject to this apprenticeship or have substantial relevant work experience this may exclude you from Government funding – this will be verified if your application progresses.
If you are aged 18 or under at enrolment and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you will be enrolled on Functional Skills Level 2 as part of your apprenticeship. If you are 19 or over, this will be optional, but we will support you to complete it when offered.
Once you’ve checked you’re eligible, please use your application to tell us how you demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Ready to start your apprenticeship – no experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm
- Positive, curious and up for learning – motivated, open‑minded and keen to grow
- Confident to speak and happy to listen – you help people feel heard and included
- A great team player – flexible, supportive and comfortable adapting when needed
- Able to follow instructions and stay safe – especially when using tools and equipment (we’ll teach you everything you need to know)
- Focused on giving great service – you care about helping others and doing a good job
- Friendly and respectful – especially when working with volunteers and the wider community
The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 01/09/28)
