At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair our historic canal network while responding to emergencies.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving waterways for everyone.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £29,354, pension scheme, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable trade skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in carpentry or related trades; full UK driving license required.
The predicted salary is between 29354 - 29354 £ per year.
Join Our Team: Craft Operative - Joiner Opportunity
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive. As a Craft Operative, you will play a vital role in caring for our network, responding to incidents as they happen and ensuring our waterways remain safe and accessible for everyone. They act fast, think on their feet and take real pride in protecting the places people love. This is a mixed-skills role suited to someone with experience in one or more trades (e.g., carpentry, metal fabrication, bricklaying, or stonemasonry). You’ll work flexibly, responding to emergencies as they occur across our network.
Working Hours & Travel
This role follows an annualized hours system, including weekends and bank holidays. You’ll be based at our Northwich Lighterage Yard CW9 5JJ depot and travel across the Northwest region, with occasional support in other areas. Flexibility is essential, as emergency call-outs and rapidly changing priorities are a core part of the team’s work.
Role Overview
As a Craft Operative, you will help improve, maintain and preserve our historic network. This includes refurbishing and repairing canal infrastructure such as locks, bridges, aqueducts, towpaths and associated equipment, always working to high safety, environmental and heritage standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out outdoor maintenance and repair works to maximize network availability, often involving heritage-sensitive solutions.
- Use bricklaying or other trade skills to support manufacture and refurbishment work to agreed standards and timescales.
- Safely operate machinery, plant, tools and equipment, and support in-house maintenance where required.
- Maintain personal equipment, workshop tools and workspace to required standards.
- Respond promptly to customer queries and urgent situations.
- Ensure equipment, materials and PPE are appropriate for each task.
- Assist with measuring locks and lock gates, learning heritage craft skills alongside specialist teams.
- Read and interpret technical drawings to inform work.
- Work with and supervise volunteers to support sustainable maintenance delivery.
- Travel regionally and flexibly to meet nationally prioritized work demands.
About You
You must bring strong operative skills and be confident applying your trade knowledge in unique environments. While additional skills can be learned on the job, competence in at least one relevant discipline is essential to aid your colleagues. Whether you come from a joinery 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).
- Experience operating plant/equipment (e.g., chainsaws, power tools, forklift trucks).
- Experience in a relevant discipline such as carpentry, metal fabrication, bricklaying or stonemasonry.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
- Full UK driving license (essential for regional response travel).
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 £29,354 with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
Craft Operative - Joiner in Northwich employer: CANAL & RIVER TRUST
Join the Canal & River Trust as a Craft Operative and become part of a dedicated team that makes a tangible difference to our beautiful canal network. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and increasing holiday entitlement, all within a supportive work culture that values practical skills and a passion for the outdoors. Based in Crickhowell, you'll enjoy the unique advantage of working in a picturesque location while contributing to the preservation of our heritage and environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Craft Operative - Joiner in Northwich
✨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 Craft Operative - Joiner in Northwich
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.
