Joinery Modern Apprentice

Starting salary: £27,740
Contract type: Four year fixed term contract
Grade: 1
Location: Edinburgh, and Hodges Farm, Pencaitland, EH34 5BG, with college attendance at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus, 350 W Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1QE
Working Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held in person at Croft-an Righ House, Edinburgh on 16th June 2026.

Apprentices gain practical work experience and accredited qualifications, all while working full time and being paid.

HES are offering an exciting opportunity to become a Joinery Modern Apprentice. This role is designed for individuals passionate about traditional building skills, who want to begin a rewarding career in construction and building conservation. The post holder will be trained full time by SJC Joinery Ltd in Edinburgh whilst being an employee of Historic Environment Scotland.

This 4-year post will combine practical on-site training with structured classroom learning through Edinburgh College, leading to a Modern Apprenticeship SCQF Level 6 Construction: Building, Carpentry & Joinery (Site) award.

This is a unique chance to contribute to the preservation of Scotland’s historic built environment whilst developing valuable trade skills in Joinery.

Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays
• Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
• Support for further education and personal development
• Study leave for work related courses
• Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
• Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties

Key Responsibilities of this role

Working Safely

• Work in accordance with the provided Health and Safety standards acquired through training and certification, at all times.

Assist Colleagues with Tasks

• Following training, support qualified tradespeople with cement work, slating, tiling, installing underlay, battens, components, and lead, using modern and traditional roofing methods.

Site Preparation

• Help prepare work areas with setting up, setting down, equipment maintenance, and inventory checks, to ensure a clean and safe working environment.

Learning and Development

• Attend lessons and assessments at a designated training provider, as well as professional development opportunities hosted by the Engine Shed and HES.

Team Collaboration

• Work reliably and effectively as part of a team, taking direction from experienced tradespeople, placement supervisors, and HES line management.

Conservation Awareness

• Gain an understanding of the principles of conservation and the importance of preserving Scotland’s historic built environment.
Occasionally share your knowledge with audiences at outreach events, e.g. school career fairs.

Key requirements of the role:

In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to complete a cover letter which addresses:

1. Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland

2. How you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 800 words), using examples of where you have used these skills in the past.

Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience.

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, applicants must have current right to work in the UK with no time restrictions for the duration of the contract. Unfortunately, those on visas with work limitations are not eligible for this programme.

Essential Criteria:

• A genuine interest in a career in carpentry, joinery, construction and building conservation
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Ability to understand and follow instructions, asking questions when needing clarification
• Desire to complete a SCQF Level 6 Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Building, Carpentry and Joinery
• Ability to work well and adapt within a team
• Confidence and ability to work outdoors in a manual labour position (reasonable adjustments will be considered to support individual needs where required)
• Willingness to travel on occasion, with advance notice, to locations across Scotland

We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.

We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.