Find More Than 10K+
United Kingdom Jobs

Job description

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

Working days will be Monday-Friday 08:00am-16:00 (40 hours)

Work Placement Description

As a trainee stonemason you will be hosted by R M Eaton Stonemasonry Ltd. R M Eaton Stonemasonry Ltd are a family run company in the heart of Derbyshire working with many different types of stone and specialising in bespoke commissions and also in skilled restoration of historic stone houses. They also specialise in pointing and working with lime mortars, either burning lime themselves to make hot mixes or using various hydraulic limes to make different mortars, depending on the application. 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 August of 2024, where trainees will meet each other and Historic England staff, and practice conservation as an interdisciplinary activity.

Overall Purpose of the Placement:

This is a fixed term, 12-month trainee placement, funded by Historic England in partnership with the Hamish Ogston Foundation. Placed with R M Eaton Stonemasonry Ltd, the Trainee will learn from a multi-skilled team which is headed by Mark Eaton. The Trainee will have a fantastic opportunity to learn heritage skills along with opportunities for training and career progression. The trainee will learn not only the craft of stonemasonry from highly skilled experts, this position also offers wider experiential training through a dedicated Summer School where participants will have the opportunity to learn about heritage conservation principals and engage in decision making, observing and engaging in the works on a live Heritage at Risk restoration project.

You will have the opportunity to complete a NOCN_Cskills Awards Level 3 Award in Understanding Repair and Maintenance of Traditional pre-1919 Buildings and the NOCN qualification: Energy Efficiency Measures for Older and Traditional Buildings alongside this vocational learning opportunity. There is also the possibility of working towards a Level 3 NVQ in a related skill area (if available and suitable for the successful candidate).

Main Areas of Work:

• To carry out work to contribute to the conservation, restoration, or creation of works and more following specification given by management and project leaders.
• To gain experience in the craft of stonemasonry repairs, creation and other required knowledge of the trade of works in order to meet the training targets as specified in the required Individual Training Plan and to be confirmed with the Skills and Training Manager.
• To be accountable for their own development by undertaking and completing records in accordance with the Trainee Agreement
• To follow specific instructions from your Host Organisation
• To ensure that all work is undertaken in line with the Host Organisation’s policies and rules and those of the Hamish Ogston Foundation Heritage Building Skills Programme.
• To be accountable for the health and safety of themselves and of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work
• To champion and promote heritage craft skills, participating in any promotional work of the Hamish Ogston Foundation Building Skills programme.
• Committing to development of skills through participating in training and development activities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and statutory codes of practice as advised.

The Trainee may be required to perform other duties or tasks as may be reasonably requested by the Host Organisation and will be expected to work within the Trainee Agreement.

We are an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you.

Person Specification

The Placement Specification below outlines the main areas of work incorporated in the Placement. To be successful at gaining an interview, your application should clearly illustrate how you meet the following criteria. The selection process will assess your suitability further.

Knowledge

• Knowledge or interest in traditional building skills in particular stonemasonry.

Skills

• Evidence of having worked with hand tools, ideally in this building skill area.
• Proven ability to work outside and at heights, in a variety of weather conditions
• Good communication skills.
• Adaptable and flexible, with proven qualities as a strong team player, able to work closely with others, and ability to work on one’s own initiative.

Experience

• Proven ability to absorb and apply new technical information.
• Proven ability working with stone or a related field which showcases transferable skills.
• Proven ability to take responsibility for your own professional development.

Motivation

• An eagerness, commitment and passion to move into a career within the built heritage sector in England.
• Willingness to travel and locate between placement project sites.

Application and Selection Procedure

Please complete the required Application Form.

The candidates, whose applications demonstrate knowledge, skills, motivation experience and abilities which best match those we are looking for, will be invited to interview. It is therefore essential for your application to give a full and concise description of the nature, extent and level of your experience and responsibilities you have held.

We will only be contacting applicants who are successful in being shortlisted for interview and would like to thank those who are unsuccessful for taking the time to apply for the Placement.

The recruitment panel will select the candidate most suitable for Placement appointment. Their decision will be final.

Historic England reserves the right to change a Placement Specification description after consultation with the Trainees and Host Organisation concerned.

Application Closing Date: 05/06/2023

Interview Date: TBC 20th June – 03rd July 2023

Start date: 01/09/2023

Completion date: 31/08/2024

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Salary: £20,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Wellness programme

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: On the road

Expected start date: 01/09/2023