Job Description

Come and join us on a National Trust Heritage Craft apprenticeship, funded by the Vinehill 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.


As one of our Stonemason apprentices you will work at one of our Specialist Craft Centres and learn complete banker and fixing work including lime pointing and rendering, stone dressing, stone/tile paving repairs, stone/slate roofing repairs and installing bespoke new stonework into heritage buildings

We anticipate this role will lead to level 3 Advanced Stonemasons apprenticeship (currently being finalised) and/or progression to a 12 months' work placement.

Further information on the Apprenticeship Standard here: Stonemason / 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 24 residential college block weeks 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.


You will be based at the masons' workshop at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal near Ripon, North Yorkshire. You will assist the masonry team to undertake specialist and heritage masonry works such as mortar repairs, and stone repairs and replacements on our heritage properties in the north of England. Whilst sometimes using modern equipment, the methods of work will be true to those used when the properties were originally constructed. You will gain a wealth of experience working as part of our experienced specialist crafts team.



What you'll be doing:You'll be working with your Trust Line Manager/Mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, developing the skills & knowledge relevant to this apprenticeship standard, and working outdoors in all weathers



You will attend, and prepare for, regular review meetings with your training provider, and be accountable for your own progression. You will be required to complete mandatory e-learning, courses and training provided.

Who we're looking forIn addition to the qualities listed in the role profile, we would love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:
A minimum of 2 GCSE's which must include 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 three consecutive years before starting the apprenticeship Not on any other training or education programme (eg studying towards an apprenticeship or degree) Able to travel to work location If you are aged 18 or under at the point of 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 - this will be optional if you are 19 or over, but we will support you to complete when offered.

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.

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 Season ticket loan EV car lease scheme 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 01/12/27)