Job Description
Job Title Construction Apprentice - Carpentry
Salary £22,0+5
Location - Perry Barr Depot, Birmingham, B42 2LZ
Who are we?
We are the charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because we believe that life is better by water. It takes an extraordinary team to bring our waterways to life and that’s where you come in.
As part of our commitment to the long-term maintenance and restoration of the waterways, we are looking to recruit a Construction Apprentice specialising in Carpentry.
Join us and you’ll be caring for your environment as well as your community, helping make life better by water for everyone. Every day
About The Role
You will be working outside, carrying out maintenance and repair works under guidance from our construction teams. You’ll learn how to work as part of a team by contributing towards the delivery of the annual winter stoppage programme when much of our brickwork is undertaken. During your time, you will also learn about the importance of the works we do, lock gate changes, patching and repairs.
• A wide range of maintenance and repair works across our network namely carpentry tasks associated with lock gate changing and fitting
• It’s important to realise that although this is a carpentry apprenticeship this is just one part of the role. Our construction apprentices are shown skills across all areas of construction in the aim to support you become multi-skilled. We will provide you with opportunities within our yards and workshops, and placements internally and externally to really hone your skills
• As our repairs often involve sensitive heritage or environment solutions, you will get exposure to this. We’ll provide you with some basic conservations and heritage knowledge and you will get the opportunity to hear from our heritage advisors
• Undertaking work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme
• Ensuring that inclusion and diversity are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust
• Displaying the Trust values and behaviours always.
More information
Take a look at our helpful handbook for more information by clicking 2026 Apprentice Opportunities - Guide
Take a look at some real Apprenticeship stories
About The Apprenticeship
Our apprentices complete a Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship. Details of the apprenticeship can be found here https//www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/carpentry-and-joinery-v1-3
As a Trust apprentice, you will complete your apprenticeship training both on and off-the-job, including regular attendance at our chosen training provider. You may be expected to stay away from home to attend training - all college related travel costs are paid for by the Trust.
Whilst on-the-job, you will work with supportive colleagues to get the best out of your apprenticeship experience. We regularly arrange placements for you to build your portfolio, as well as opportunities to work on projects. This involves working across our network, so you may be working away from home. No two days are the same!
After the Apprenticeship
We are fully committed to support all of our apprentices during their training. We truly value their contribution to the Trust and plan our recruitment to match progression opportunities. Once the apprenticeship is completed and your work on site is to a satisfactory level, we aim to offer ongoing employment opportunities with us.
What skills and abilities do I need to have?
We look for candidates who live and breathe our values; Caring, Open, Local, Inclusive and Excellence and have a willingness to learn, enthusiasm and dedication. We are looking for potential.
This is predominantly an outdoor role. We love the outdoors at Canal & River Trust, and it's so important that as a member of the team, you enjoy all weathers too!
What qualifications do I need to have?
Ideally grade A-C or grade +-4 in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on target to achieve.
A driving license or the willingness to achieve one within 12 months of starting (Driving is a mandatory part of our roles due to the breadth of our network)
What qualifications or experience would potentially help me more?
An interest or connection to the waterways network or heritage assets
Any general construction experience, potentially through hobbies, work experience or volunteering.
Inclusive and supportive employer
At the Trust we care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.
All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.
Our aim is, at all times, to care for our people, and earn the confidence, trust and advocacy of our customers, partners, and those in the communities in which we work. We pride ourselves on, and are committed to, a workplace that reflects our values, embraces diversity, and enhances our reputation as a responsible and trusted custodian of the waterways in our care.
Read more about our commitment to Diversity Here
How do I apply?
Please click to apply and complete the application form fully - there is no need to submit a CV.
It is very important that you make use of the Personal Statement section of our application form and tell us all about your motivations & interest, any transferable experience and why you want to come and work for the Canal & River Trust.
Applications close 31 March 2026 at 235+
If you have any questions or experience difficulty with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at [email protected]
What We Offer
In addition to our competitive apprenticeship wage, we can offer;
• High quality qualifications including training on top of the apprenticeship
• Fantastic experience with hands-on training giving you a real chance to put your skills into practice and helping you to gain more confidence in a supportive working environment
• Opportunities to take part in exciting projects around England and Wales
• The chance to meet other apprentices, making friends for life
• Disability Confident and Time to Change (mental health support) Employer
When you join the Canal & River Trust you become a member of an engaged team working to preserve our heritage for future generations. Come and share your passion and knowledge with a team that makes a difference to millions of people every day
Salary £22,0+5
Location - Perry Barr Depot, Birmingham, B42 2LZ
Who are we?
We are the charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because we believe that life is better by water. It takes an extraordinary team to bring our waterways to life and that’s where you come in.
As part of our commitment to the long-term maintenance and restoration of the waterways, we are looking to recruit a Construction Apprentice specialising in Carpentry.
Join us and you’ll be caring for your environment as well as your community, helping make life better by water for everyone. Every day
About The Role
You will be working outside, carrying out maintenance and repair works under guidance from our construction teams. You’ll learn how to work as part of a team by contributing towards the delivery of the annual winter stoppage programme when much of our brickwork is undertaken. During your time, you will also learn about the importance of the works we do, lock gate changes, patching and repairs.
• A wide range of maintenance and repair works across our network namely carpentry tasks associated with lock gate changing and fitting
• It’s important to realise that although this is a carpentry apprenticeship this is just one part of the role. Our construction apprentices are shown skills across all areas of construction in the aim to support you become multi-skilled. We will provide you with opportunities within our yards and workshops, and placements internally and externally to really hone your skills
• As our repairs often involve sensitive heritage or environment solutions, you will get exposure to this. We’ll provide you with some basic conservations and heritage knowledge and you will get the opportunity to hear from our heritage advisors
• Undertaking work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme
• Ensuring that inclusion and diversity are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust
• Displaying the Trust values and behaviours always.
More information
Take a look at our helpful handbook for more information by clicking 2026 Apprentice Opportunities - Guide
Take a look at some real Apprenticeship stories
About The Apprenticeship
Our apprentices complete a Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship. Details of the apprenticeship can be found here https//www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/carpentry-and-joinery-v1-3
As a Trust apprentice, you will complete your apprenticeship training both on and off-the-job, including regular attendance at our chosen training provider. You may be expected to stay away from home to attend training - all college related travel costs are paid for by the Trust.
Whilst on-the-job, you will work with supportive colleagues to get the best out of your apprenticeship experience. We regularly arrange placements for you to build your portfolio, as well as opportunities to work on projects. This involves working across our network, so you may be working away from home. No two days are the same!
After the Apprenticeship
We are fully committed to support all of our apprentices during their training. We truly value their contribution to the Trust and plan our recruitment to match progression opportunities. Once the apprenticeship is completed and your work on site is to a satisfactory level, we aim to offer ongoing employment opportunities with us.
What skills and abilities do I need to have?
We look for candidates who live and breathe our values; Caring, Open, Local, Inclusive and Excellence and have a willingness to learn, enthusiasm and dedication. We are looking for potential.
This is predominantly an outdoor role. We love the outdoors at Canal & River Trust, and it's so important that as a member of the team, you enjoy all weathers too!
What qualifications do I need to have?
Ideally grade A-C or grade +-4 in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on target to achieve.
A driving license or the willingness to achieve one within 12 months of starting (Driving is a mandatory part of our roles due to the breadth of our network)
What qualifications or experience would potentially help me more?
An interest or connection to the waterways network or heritage assets
Any general construction experience, potentially through hobbies, work experience or volunteering.
Inclusive and supportive employer
At the Trust we care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.
All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.
Our aim is, at all times, to care for our people, and earn the confidence, trust and advocacy of our customers, partners, and those in the communities in which we work. We pride ourselves on, and are committed to, a workplace that reflects our values, embraces diversity, and enhances our reputation as a responsible and trusted custodian of the waterways in our care.
Read more about our commitment to Diversity Here
How do I apply?
Please click to apply and complete the application form fully - there is no need to submit a CV.
It is very important that you make use of the Personal Statement section of our application form and tell us all about your motivations & interest, any transferable experience and why you want to come and work for the Canal & River Trust.
Applications close 31 March 2026 at 235+
If you have any questions or experience difficulty with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at [email protected]
What We Offer
In addition to our competitive apprenticeship wage, we can offer;
• High quality qualifications including training on top of the apprenticeship
• Fantastic experience with hands-on training giving you a real chance to put your skills into practice and helping you to gain more confidence in a supportive working environment
• Opportunities to take part in exciting projects around England and Wales
• The chance to meet other apprentices, making friends for life
• Disability Confident and Time to Change (mental health support) Employer
When you join the Canal & River Trust you become a member of an engaged team working to preserve our heritage for future generations. Come and share your passion and knowledge with a team that makes a difference to millions of people every day
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Construction Apprentice - Carpentry position is now open for candidates interested in the Carpenter Jobs sector. This role in Birmingham offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Carpenter Jobs is a plus.
