Stonemason Modern Apprentice

Starting salary: £27,740 per year pro rata

Contract type: Fixed term contract over 4 years

Grade: 1

Location: Kirk Masonry Ltd and HES Stirling Skills Centre

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 35 hours per week

Interviews: To be held in person on Thursday 25th June 2026

HES are offering an exciting opportunity to become a Stone masonry 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 Kirk Masonry Ltd in Stirling while being an employee of Historic Environment Scotland.

This 4‑year post will combine practical on‑site training with structured classroom learning through the HES Skills Training Centre in Stirling, leading to a Modern Apprenticeship SCQF Level 6 Construction:
Building, Stone masonry award.

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

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave, pro‑rate (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

• 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 in the repair, conservation and construction of stone structures.
• Site Preparation
  • Help prepare work areas with setting up, washing and 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.

• Develop Core Trade
  
  Skills:
  
  
  • Build competence in Stone masonry technique and understanding through hands‑on experience and formal training
• Achieve a
  
  Qualification:
  
  
  • Successfully complete the Modern Apprenticeship framework by achieving both the SVQ and PDA elements, along with a Skills Test, Portfolio and completing all required hours of the programme across 4 years.
• Achieve
  
  Certifications:
  
  
  • Successfully complete the necessary modules and examinations for necessary health and safety, and other construction certifications
• Promote Heritage Values:
  • Develop and understand a respect for the cultural significance of the sites and structures being worked on
• Grow Professionally:
  • Demonstrate reliability, initiative and commitment to continuous learning and development

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

Essential Criteria:

• A genuine interest in a career in stone masonry, construction and building conservation
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Ability to understand and follow instructions, and to ask questions when clarification is needed
• Desire to complete a SCQF Level 6 Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Building, Stone masonry
• Ability to work well and adapt within a team
• Confident and able to work outdoors in a manual labour position, with reasonable adjustments 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.