Job Ref: ROY1046
Branch: Royal Navy Museums, Portsmouth
Location: Royal Navy Museums, Portsmouth
Salary/Benefits: £24,784.50 per annum
Contract type: Fixed Term
Hours: Full Time
Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week, Fixed term 32-month apprenticeship
Posted date: 04/08/2026
Closing date: 16/08/2026
Join our team and help preserve one of the world's most famous ships
The Royal Navy Museums (RNM) is seeking two enthusiastic Apprentice Shipwrights to join the team delivering the conservation of the world's oldest commissioned warship HMS Victory. This is a fixed term 32 month apprenticeship.
As an Apprentice Shipwright, you will work alongside our team of existing Shipwrights and will help conserve and repair historic timber structures while studying towards a recognised Boatbuilder Apprenticeship programme.
What you will learn
During the apprenticeship you will receive practical training in:
- Traditional woodworking and joinery techniques
- Timber preparation and construction methods
- Boatbuilding and shipbuilding practices
- Use and maintenance of hand and power tools
- Hull, deck and interior construction
- Heritage conservation and restoration techniques
- Health, safety and safe working practices
- Communication, teamwork and project management skills
Training Development
As an Apprentice Shipwright, you will combine practical, hands-on experience at HMS Victory with structured training delivered through our apprenticeship partner, Pioneer Sailing Trust.
For one week each month, you will attend training at Pioneer Sailing Trust in Brightlingsea, Essex, where you will develop specialist boatbuilding, joinery and marine skills alongside other apprentices. Accommodation will be provided during these training weeks, and travel expenses to and from Brightlingsea can be reclaimed through Pioneer Sailing.
Throughout the 32 month apprenticeship, you will be supported by a dedicated mentor, who will help guide your development, provide practical support and ensure you gain the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.
What we're looking for
We are looking for people who are:
- Interested in developing traditional craft skills and learning a specialist trade.
- Interested in woodworking, boats or heritage crafts
- Keen to learn new skills and develop a specialist trade
- Reliable, motivated and committed to completing an apprenticeship programme
- Able to work effectively as part of a team
- Willing to work in a physically active environment, including lifting, carrying and working at height when required
You do not need previous shipbuilding experience. We welcome applications from individuals who demonstrate enthusiasm, practical aptitude and a willingness to learn.
What you'll gain
- A recognised Boatbuilder Apprenticeship qualification
- Practical experience working on HMS Victory
- Mentoring from experienced Shipwrights and heritage specialists
- A unique opportunity to develop traditional craftsmanship skills
- Experience working within a national museum and conservation environment
- The chance to contribute to a nationally important heritage project
We are aiming for apprentices to join the Royal Navy Museums team during the week commencing 7 September 2026, allowing time for induction, training and familiarisation with the site before attending the next apprenticeship intake with Pioneer Sailing Trust on 14 September 2026.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to be part of a friendly and diverse workplace within a unique heritage environment.
- 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays), pro rata for part time employees, with the option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Enhanced maternity/adoption and paternity pay.
- Flexible working.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free admission to other national museums and attractions within the reciprocal agreement.
- Discounts at our shops and cafes.
- Free and discounted tickets for family and friends.
- A range of other benefits including cycle to work
- Paid reservist leave.
Our recruitment process will consist of an initial Microsoft Teams call followed by a face-to-face interview in Portsmouth. The Teams stage will be an opportunity for us to get to know you, learn more about your reasons for applying and discuss any relevant experience, interests or skills you would like to share.
Candidates invited to the face-to-face stage will receive the interview questions in advance as we want you to succeed and have the best opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm, potential and suitability for the apprenticeship.
If you would like to have an informal discussion regarding the role, or ask any questions, please contact the People Team, at [email protected].
All applicants are asked to apply via jobs.royalnavymuseums.org.uk by midnight on Sunday 16th August.
If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process because of a disability, please contact the People team on [email protected] for support.
This post requires a DBS check as a requirement of working on the naval base, as well as the right to work in the UK. Please note we cannot currently sponsor work visas.
