Job Description
April 2014
Role: Adult Stonemasonry Apprentice
Business Function: Properties & Visitor Services
Pay Band/Starting Salary: £12,500 per annum in
Reports to: Stonemason, Culzean Castle &
year one. (Years two & three salary increases annually
Country Park
in-line with SBATC rates for an adult apprentice).
Location:
Culzean Castle & Country Park, Type of Contract:
Maybole, South Ayrshire KA19 8LE
Three year fixed-term post, 40 hours per week
Terms and conditions:
The post is subject to the standard terms and conditions provided with the application pack and the following special
terms also apply: the employee will undergo industrial health monitoring as part of health and safety
procedure.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Adult Apprentice roll exists to provide support to the Culzean Stonemasonry team in carrying out
important conservation work at Trust properties. In addition to supporting the work programme of the
masonry team, a wide variety of training opportunities are provided to equip the candidate with a full
understanding of the craft of stonemasonry, ultimately leading to a capable and highly qualified
stonemason within the industry.
The onsite training will be run in conjunction with Construction Industries Training Board (CITB) for the
fixed term of 3 years. An intensive and challenging training program is provided requiring attendance of a
variety of courses, and external placements. Attendance at City of Glasgow College on a block release basis
is required over the three years, to complete the programme of training modules leading to an SVQ in
Stonemasonry and Advanced craft certificate.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Key responsibilities of the adult apprentices role are as follows:
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Carry out practical conservation and repairs to masonry structures at Culzean and other Trust
properties. Some of these activities will include: project planning, dressing stone, working with
lime, construction of brick and stone, carving, pointing, limewashing and other stonemasonry
related tasks. Work on live projects will allow the apprentice to gain first hand knowledge of
working with stone in a construction environment.
Develop their practical skills and knowledge of stonemasonry to a high standard over the three
years, the apprentice should remain involved and committed to their development throughout.
Undertake training activities required during the apprenticeship, attending placements on internal
and external training courses including SVQ and Advanced craft certificates delivered by City of
Glasgow College. The apprentice is required to complete all compulsory training courses in order
to become a qualified stonemason.
Share responsibility for a portion of the workshops maintenance and cleaning regime. Regular
maintenance/cleaning must be carried out to retain a safe working environment.
Responsible for making sure that they follow all Trust Health & Safety policies and procedures
while in the workshop and onsite to maintain a safe working environment for themselves,
colleagues and the general public. As part of the team they will be required to contribute the
review and implementation of the Stonemasonry teams Safe System of Work
Record their activities in a logbook to provide evidence of progress. The candidate is subject to
review annually, this will provide opportunity for feedback and direction during the 3 year
apprenticeship. A written progress report will be submitted by the apprentice to the John Mather
Trust annually.
Participate in practical demonstrations, deliver presentations and attend events as a representative
of the stonemasonry team to exhibit the work of the department to the public and other
organisations.
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Work as an individual where required as well as part of a team to allow the Stonemason to plan
work and make best use of the team.
Lead at least one project during their final year with the aim of preparing the individual to
successfully coordinate and deliver stonemasonry works under their own initiative.
Stay overnight away from home while working on other trust properties or attending
courses/events.
The current duties of this job do not require a criminal records (Disclosure Scotland) check to be carried
out.
SCOPE OF ROLE
People Management
The Adult Apprentice Stonemason will be directly responsible to the Stonemason and through him to the
Lead Surveyor (Ayrshire Properties) and Head of Buildings.
No line management responsibility, however, the post holder needs to liaise and work with other members
of staff in the stonemasonry team as well as other disciplines including staff and external contractors or
consultants when required.
Financial Management
The role has no direct budget management responsibilities however, the job holder is expected to have an
understanding of the financial systems and budgets in operation within the stonemasons department and
project activities.
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
The above outlines the key skills the job holder will need to possess and exercise. In addition, either
knowledge of or experience in the following is required:
Essential
 Good practical hand skills, interest or knowledge off practical mathematics, geometry, history and
science. The role is also well suited to creative individuals, as often some artistry is sometimes
required.
 A focused and disciplined approach to carrying out work of a high standard while sympathetic to
working on structures of historic significance
 Demonstrable high levels of interpersonal and communication skills.
 Ability to manage time efficiently and effectively
 An eye for detail and finish/ gains satisfaction from undertaking such work
 Able to work as part of a team or as an individual
 Flexible and adaptable attitude to work with high degree of self-motivation
 Good organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritise work where
necessary
 The individual should be comfortable with working in often extreme or unusual environments, for
example high scaffolds.
 A current driver’s licence.
Desirable
 Previous experience in the construction industry would be an advantage.
 A demonstrable interest and/or self-motivated pursuit to research and gain knowledge in the field of
stonemasonry and building conservation.
 Some experience using computers
 Knowledge of Health and Safety in Construction
The Key Responsibilities, Scope of Job, and Required Qualifications, Skills, Experience & Knowledge
reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with
appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be
reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.
Applications
Interested applicants should forward a completed application form to Human Resources Department
(Applications), The National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11 4DF,
by mail or by email via workforus@nts.org.uk, by first post (i.e. 10.00am) on 16 June 2014. Interviews are
likely to be held at the Stone barn, Culzean Castle and Country Park on w/c 23 June 2014.