Qualifications, Course and Learning Development (QCLD)Trainee in Stirling

Starting salary: £27,740 pro rata, per year

Contract type: Fixed term for 12 months

Grade: 1

Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling FK8 1QZ (with hybrid working)

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Interviews: To be held on Week Commencing 27 July 2026 or 03 August 2026

As a QCLD Trainee, you’ll join our Technical Education and Training (TET) team and get hands-on experience supporting projects that shape how people learn about the practical and technical conservation of Scotland’s historic environment. You will work across a range of activities, from helping design training and qualifications to creating engaging online learning content, building practical skills while contributing to meaningful projects and developing your career in learning and development. You’ll also gain experience in instructional design, digital course creation, and qualification development, building a strong foundation for a career in learning design and the heritage sector. There may be an opportunity to study for a Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design.

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:

In this role, you’ll support the QCLD team across a wide range of activities. It’s an ideal opportunity to develop skills in qualification and learning development, instructional design, project work, and content creation - while contributing to the protection and understanding of Scotland’s historic environment.

• Assist with the development and delivery of learning assets, including training, courses, qualifications, and supporting resources.
• Contribute to the creation of engaging, high-quality, and accessible learning content on topics such as built heritage conservation, repair and maintenance, retrofit, and cultural asset management.
• Work alongside experienced colleagues on live projects, helping develop learning, courses, and qualifications for HES and the wider sector.
• Build your skills in learning development, instructional design, and project delivery.
• Support the development and delivery of training, education, and outreach projects across the TET programme.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners across the heritage, education, and construction sectors.
• Contribute to the development of digital learning materials using our Virtual Learning Environment and other tools.
• Support the design and development of qualifications, including contributing to credit rating and levelling processes.
• Help ensure all learning content is inclusive, accessible, and suitable for a wide range of learners.
• Support project reporting and help track progress across a range of activities.
• Contribute to improving how we design and deliver our learning offer.
• Take part in outreach activities and events to share learning and promote building conservation.
• Continue building your own knowledge and skills through learning and development opportunities.
• Undertake other duties as agreed with your line manager.

You will gain:

• Hands-on experience working on real learning, course, and qualification projects.
• Practical skills in instructional design, digital learning, and content development.
• Experience using industry-relevant digital tools and platforms.
• Opportunities to take part in outreach events, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Exposure to Continuous Lifelong Professional Learning, including site visits, training, and learning from subject specialists.
• A strong foundation for careers in digital learning design, heritage skills, and education.

Key requirements of the role:

In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to complete a cover letter which addresses:

• Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland
• 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:

• An interest in Scotland’s historic environment, particularly building conservation, traditional materials, and skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team and independently, using initiative to manage your own workload.
• A creative and proactive approach, with strong problem-solving skills and an openness to new ideas.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work with a wide range of people, alongside strong IT skills (including Word and Excel) and a willingness to learn new tools.

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.