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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and enhance the UK's beautiful canal network.
- Company: One of the UK’s biggest charities dedicated to waterways and heritage.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £28,154, pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and more.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while learning valuable craft skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in carpentry/joinery and ability to read technical drawings required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
About the Trust
We’re one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We’re looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.
Join Our Team: Workshop Craft Operative [Joiner/Carpenter] opportunity
This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact by helping maintain and enhance our beautiful canal network. The role will be based from Bradley Workshop, Bradley Lane, Bilston, WV14 8DW 5 days a week. The working hours of the workshop are 07:30 - 16:00 Monday to Thursday & 07:30 - 12:30 on Fridays.
Role overview
As a Workshop Craft Operative your experienced crafts person skills will help to provide excellence in the visitor experience for the Canal & River Trust through efficiently building/supplying complete lock gate and lock gate parts for the entire network in line with safety requirements and heritage standards. This role is vital to enhancing the reputation of the network, whilst protecting its integrity for decades to come.
- Comply with Canal & River Trust’s Health & Safety policy and defined standards; report incidents, accidents and near misses.
- Complete point of work risk assessments for non-routine tasks and adjust work methods where appropriate.
- Use carpentry/joinery or fabricator/welder expertise to undertake the manufacture & refurbishment within a timely manner, in accordance with defined standards and agreed programmes.
- Work outside when required.
- Work within quality assurance protocols, uploading documents digitally where required.
- Operate a variety of machinery, plant, tools, and other equipment in accordance with Canal & River Trust’s safety standards and where appropriate support in-house maintenance.
- Undertake general housekeeping of personal equipment, workshop equipment and workspace ensuring all are maintained to defined standards.
- Timely response to customers’ queries and requirements, including responding to emergencies.
- Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc) is appropriate for the task.
- Assist with the measurement of locks and lock gates to identify correct lock gate measurements for manufacture - you will be working alongside an experienced team of specialists to learn this heritage skill.
- Understand and interpret technical drawings to translate into production.
About You
We’re looking for someone with a solid foundation in carpentry or joinery, as these skills will form the core of your work. While you’ll have the opportunity to learn and develop additional skills along the way, confidence in reading technical drawings, accurate measuring, and creating strong, precise joints is essential. You might come from a general building background or a specialist joinery environment—anywhere that careful measuring, cutting, and joining have become second nature to you.
Skills & Qualifications
- Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (or experience) e.g. City & Guilds Level III, NVQ Level III in Joinery, Carpentry.
- Experience handling plant/equipment in group A e.g. chainsaw, hand power tools, forklift truck.
- Experience of working within relevant discipline e.g. Joinery, Carpentry.
- Experience of reading technical drawings.
- Experience in CNC manufacturing/operations would be advantageous.
- Full Valid UK Driving Licence - you will need to be able to respond across the region and get to where the team need you.
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
What We Offer
We offer a starting salary of £28,154 with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.
All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Workshops - Craft Operative in Birmingham employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Workshops - Craft Operative in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Canal & River Trust! Research their projects and values so you can show genuine enthusiasm during your interview. We want to see that you care about our waterways just as much as we do!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your technical skills before the interview. Brush up on reading technical drawings and measuring accurately, as these are key for the Workshop Craft Operative role. We love seeing candidates who come prepared!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees or join relevant online forums. This can give you insider tips and help you understand what it’s really like to work with us. Plus, it shows initiative, which we appreciate!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Don’t forget to highlight your carpentry or joinery experience in your application to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Workshops - Craft Operative in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Craft Skills: Make sure to highlight your carpentry or joinery experience in your application. We want to see how your skills can contribute to maintaining our beautiful canal network!
Read the Job Description Carefully: Take a good look at the job description and tailor your application to match. Use the same language and keywords we’ve used to show you’re a great fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your experience shines through without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your carpentry and joinery skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with technical drawings, measuring, and creating joints. This will show that you’re not just a good fit for the role but also passionate about the craft.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with health and safety protocols relevant to the role. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve adhered to safety standards in previous jobs. This demonstrates your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, which is crucial for this position.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with a team of specialists. Think of examples from your past where you collaborated effectively with others. Highlighting your ability to work as part of a team will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about the types of projects you might be involved in or how the team approaches challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
