Stonemasonry Conservation Trainee - Chester, United Kingdom - Historic England

Historic England

Verified Company

Chester, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Summary

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 8:30am-16:30 (40 hours).

Work Placement Description

As a trainee stonemason you will be hosted by Chester Cathedral. Chester Cathedral's Works Department is, at present, the youngest of the Cathedral masonry teams. This exciting Department was re-established in 2019 after last employing masons around 30 years ago.

Within its first three years, this team has completed a number of small but vital projects while planning and preparing for a significant new programme of works.

Chester Cathedral is an ancient abbey of international importance, which has played a significant part in shaping the history of the city.

It still plays an important part in the spiritual, cultural and civic life of Chester and beyond. The site includes the Cathedral and the most complete set of monastic buildings in the country.

This is complemented by the Georgian square and streets with the largest green spaces within the walls, including the scheduled ancient monument, the Roman Barracks, which lies beneath the Dean's field.

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. You will be placed with Chester Cathedral where you will learn from Tom Livingstone.

The trainee will learn how to carry out work which crosses various trades, using traditional materials and techniques as well as wider experiential training through a dedicated Summer School where participants will learn about heritage conservation principals, and engage with making decisions, observing and participating in the conservation works at a live Heritage at Risk restoration project.

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

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 working with stone or a related field which showcases transferable skills.
Proven ability to take responsibility for your own professional development.

Motivation