We are the public body that looks after England’s historic environment. We champion historic places to help people understand, value and care for them. We have unrivalled opportunities for a variety of construction trainee and apprenticeships positions specialising in heritage skills. You’ll have the chance to be hosted by some amazing committed, dedicated and expert host construction organisations throughout your time with us.
Your programme of learning will be generously grant funded by the Hamish Ogston Foundation and led by Historic England
As a trainee stonemason you will be hosted by Matthias Garn Master Mason & Partner, who are experts in conservation and repair of historic stone structures. You will be based in York and surrounding areas. Your work will contribute to the management of England’s unique historic environment, helping to ensure that it can be used, understood and enjoyed by a diverse range of people for generations to come. Some of your learning will take place at our Summer School in 2022, where trainees will meet each other and Historic England staff, and practice conservation as an interdisciplinary activity.
You will be working towards completion of your learning over the course of 27 months. The training will be made up of 80% of your time on the job, and 20% of your time will be spent off the job, completing a training programme with a construction skills college where you will learn the foundations of your craft.
Through your day to day role with your host organisation and the Historic England/Hamish Ogston foundation Summer School you will:
- Learn how to research the historical, cultural and archaeological significance of specific sites through written assessment; to develop an understanding of the history of the tools and equipment, materials and methods that are used in this field and on specific projects.
- The craft of traditional stonemasonry- including setting out, making templates, masonry and fixing of stones on building sites- as it is performed within the heritage sector (e.g, governed by strict conservation principles and methods, using traditional tools and techniques).
- Apply skills that have been passed down from generation to generation in a manner which is entirely sympathetic to the existing fabric- minimising intervention where possible in line with The SPAB principles of conservative repair.
- Mason stones ‘like for like’, matching the tooled finish, quality and accuracy of the historic fabric. Carving and lettering skills will be introduced later in the training, when your specific skills and interests become apparent.
- Gain a general understanding of how projects are organised and managed in terms of timeframes, budget and the management of quality.
We’re looking for someone who has a passion and interest in heritage and the built environment with a curiosity and desire to continuously learn. You’ll be someone who seeks to deliver a positive and sustainable impact by creating things that will outlast you. You will be supervised & supported in your day to day role by your host firm. You will also receive support and guidance from the Hamish Ogston Foundation Heritage Building Skills Programme Staff and be supported by a Learning Mentor from Historic England. For further details of the role, the learning and what we are looking for please read through the full job description.
To apply please visit
https://historicengland.org.uk/about/jobs/apprenticeships/
For general enquires about your application please contact our HR Team on 01793 414 743. We cannot advise of the outcome of your application until after the closing date. Closing date for applications is Sunday 18th July 2021 at midnight. You will receive notification of the outcome of your application no later than Friday 30th July 2021.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend our Insight & Selection days being held virtually (online) 2nd – 13th August.
Historic England is committed to providing equality of opportunity. If you have a disability, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you.
Find the job description here
