At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and enhance our beautiful canal network through essential construction work.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving historic canal infrastructure.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £28,154 plus Inner London Allowance, pension scheme, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for learning and growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working outdoors and supporting community heritage.
- Qualifications: Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification and practical construction experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join Our Team: Craft Operative [Multi-skilled Carpenter] Opportunity. Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
We’re excited to welcome a new Craft Operative (Carpentry bias) to our team. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact by helping maintain and enhance our beautiful canal network. You’ll work on locks, bridges, aqueducts, towpaths, and more - preserving these historic assets for everyone to enjoy.
The Direct Services team delivers the essential, on-the-ground work that keeps our waterways running - from planned maintenance and construction projects to emergency repairs and heritage restoration. They combine skilled trades, practical know-how and a real passion for the outdoors to repair infrastructure, respond to urgent issues, and look after the places communities love. Their work makes a visible difference every single day.
Working Hours & Travel
This role operates on an annualised hours contract (1931.4 hours per year, averaging 37 hours per week), which includes weekends and bank holidays as required. Due to operational needs, there may be occasions where you are required to work more than five days within a seven-day period. You will also participate in a 24-hour standby rota to provide emergency cover. New starters will join the on-call rota once fully trained and confident in the role. You’ll be based at our Adelaide depot and will travel across the London & South East region, with the focus of your work being around the East & West London; Lee Navigation, Regent's and Grand Union canal. Mileage and tolls associated to travel are supported through the Trust expenses policy.
Role Overview
As a Craft Operative, you’ll undertake essential construction work and help maintain and repair vital canal infrastructure, fit and refurbish lock gates, and collaborate with specialist teams. Your work will support our commitment to safety, heritage, and environmental standards and help keep canals open and alive.
Key responsibilities
- Carry out outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure.
- Use construction skills including masonry work and joinery to refurbish and repair assets.
- Interpret and apply technical drawings and specifications to guide construction activities.
- Operate tools and machinery safely and responsibly, ensuring proper use of PPE and materials.
- Maintain equipment and workspace to high standards.
- Respond to customer queries and emergencies with care and professionalism.
- Support and guide volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
- Travel regionally to support priority construction projects.
About You
We welcome individuals with practical skills and a willingness to learn. Whether you come from a building or specialism background, your experience and enthusiasm will help you thrive in this role.
Skills & Qualifications
- Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (e.g. City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2).
- Practical construction experience, including safe operation of tools and equipment such as chainsaws and site plant.
- Possession of H&S competencies and/or valid, assessed certifications for the safe and effective use of plant, tools, and equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
- Full and current UK driving license.
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 + an Inner London Allowance of £4,000. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
Multi-Skilled Carpenter (Canal Infrastructure & Maintenance) in Enfield employer: Canal & River Trust
At Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and teamwork. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, while our commitment to flexible working arrangements ensures a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the UK's canal network, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will help shape the future of our vital infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Multi-Skilled Carpenter (Canal Infrastructure & Maintenance) in Enfield
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Multi-Skilled Carpenter (Canal Infrastructure & Maintenance) in Enfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Canal & River Trust's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Canal & River Trust. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Canal & River Trust.
