Starting salary: £27, 740 per year
Contract type: Fixed term over 2 years
Grade: 1
Location: Stirling Castle
Working Hours: Full-time hours (35 hours per week) including weekend work
Interviews: To be held in person at Stirling Castle on Week Commencing 9th November 2026
Are you looking for a job that is both fun and unique? You'll get an insight into Scotland's rich history and gain valuable experience in the tourism industry and help bring Scotland's dramatic history to life for our visitors from across the world. Explore the fascinating stories from Scotland's past and share your passion with international and local visitors who come to Stirling Castle. In conjunction with this, you will also work towards a SCQF level 6 in Cultural Venue Operations.
For more information about the post and information about the team, please access the full job description: 20261014_Modern Apprentice - Stirling Castle.docx for this post. Please note that if you don't have Office 365 installed on your device, this can be opened using your browser.
Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland
- Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution
- 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (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
Key Responsibilities of this role
As a Modern Apprentice, you will spend a month in the guiding team, getting to know the history of the castle, you will then work within each team for three months on a rotational basis. Following this, you will be placed in one area where you will stay for the remainder of your time with Historic Environment Scotland (unless stated otherwise). There will also be opportunity to work within our Events team.
During your work experience, you will also complete coursework, working towards the qualification towards the Diploma in Cultural Venue Operations, SCQF Level 6.
This will be completed in conjunction with Museum Galleries Scotland you will be supported by an assessor, who will meet you on a regular basis and assist in your progress. Once your coursework is completed and you have gained your qualification, you will be able to continue to gain valuable work experience within the castle until your fixed term contract ends.
Key requirements of the role:
Applications are welcomed from all, however due to our commitment to providing skills development opportunities to young people to enter the Heritage workforce, we actively encourage applications from school leavers. Due to apprenticeship eligibility, we are unable to consider those who have a degree in this area.
In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to complete a cover letter which addresses:
1. Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland
2. How you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 800 words), using examples of where you have used these skills in the past.
Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing, as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
Essential Criteria:
- Excellent communication skills
- Desire to work in a fast-paced visitor environment
- Experience of working as part of a team to achieve a common goal
- A passion for working in a busy Retail environment
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An interest in Scottish History
Find out more about desirable skills and experience in our full job description 20261014_Modern Apprentice - Stirling Castle.docx.
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.
We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.
Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.
To submit your application online, please read our ‘How to Apply’ section followed by ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.
Cultural Venue Operations Modern Apprentice - Stirling Castle employer: Historic Environment Scotland
At Historic Environment Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and employee well-being. Located at the iconic Stirling Castle, our team enjoys flexible working hours, generous leave entitlements, and opportunities for further education, all while contributing to enriching local communities through memorable events. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that delivers outstanding experiences in a historic setting.
Contact Details:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruitment Team
