Trainee Heritage Builder – Building Conservation
Brian Franklin & Son Ltd is a respected, family-run building conservation company based near Salisbury, specialising in the restoration, repair and conservation of historic and listed buildings throughout Wiltshire and the surrounding counties.
We're looking for a hardworking, reliable and enthusiastic person to join our team on a full-time, permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys practical work, wants to learn a skilled trade and is looking for a long-term career with a company that values quality craftsmanship.
About the Role
Working alongside experienced craftspeople, you'll assist with a wide range of conservation projects while learning traditional building techniques such as lime pointing, lime plastering, lime rendering, cob repairs and the careful repair of historic buildings.
The work is varied and rewarding. One week you may be helping repair a cob cottage, the next working on a listed church or period farmhouse. As your skills and confidence develop, you'll take on greater responsibility and become an increasingly skilled member of the team.
Our projects are generally located within approximately one hour of our base near Salisbury. Company transport is provided from our base to site, with no overnight working or staying away from home required.
What You'll Be Doing
- Assisting experienced tradespeople on heritage restoration projects.
- Preparing materials, tools and work areas.
- Mixing traditional lime mortars and assisting with conservation repairs.
- Loading, unloading and moving materials safely.
- Maintaining clean, organised and safe working areas.
- Learning specialist building techniques through hands-on experience.
- Taking on greater responsibility as your skills and experience develop.
What We're Looking For
Attitude is more important than experience. If you're hardworking, dependable and keen to learn, we'd encourage you to apply even if you have little or no previous construction experience.
You'll ideally be:
- Hardworking, reliable and punctual.
- Physically fit and comfortable carrying out demanding manual work in all seasons.
- Keen to learn and develop practical skills.
- Interested in traditional craftsmanship and historic buildings.
- Able to work well as part of a small, close-knit team.
- Professional, respectful and willing to listen and learn.
- Committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety.
- In possession of a full UK driving licence.
- Able to travel reliably to our base near Salisbury each working day.
Experience in construction, landscaping, farming, grounds maintenance or another practical trade would be an advantage, but it isn't essential. We're looking for someone with the right work ethic, practical aptitude, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
What We Offer
- £26,000–£32,000 per year, depending on experience and practical ability.
- 22 days' paid annual leave, plus bank holidays.
- Company pension.
- Discretionary annual bonus (paid every year to date).
- Full-time, permanent employment with genuine long-term career prospects.
- Training provided and funded by the company, including specialist conservation skills.
- Company transport from our base to site.
- Interesting and varied work on historic and listed buildings.
- No overnight working or staying away from home.
- A supportive family-run business where quality workmanship is valued above speed.
- A healthy work-life balance, with overtime opportunities limited rather than expected.
Build a Career, Not Just a Job
Many of the traditional building techniques we use are becoming increasingly rare. We're committed to passing these skills on to the right person and providing the training, support and practical experience needed to build a rewarding career in building conservation.
We're looking for someone who wants to develop their skills and become an important part of our team for years to come.
If you're practical, hardworking and keen to learn a skilled trade, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply, please send your CV or a brief summary about yourself and any relevant experience. If you'd like an informal chat about the role before applying, we'd be pleased to hear from you.
Pay: £26,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Salisbury, Wiltshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Please briefly tell us about any practical experience you have, either at work or outside work. This could include construction, DIY, farming, landscaping, mechanics, woodworking or anything else involving practical or hands-on skills.
- What interests you about this role and learning traditional building and conservation skills?
Licence/Certification:
- Full UK Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- Salisbury, Wiltshire (preferred)
Work Location: In person
