York Minster is seeking three new apprentices from all walks of life to join its multidisciplinary team of skilled heritage craftspeople who care for the cathedral and its seven-hectare precinct.

The apprentices will join the cathedral at an exciting time as the new Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management opens its doors. The Centre has established the York Minster precinct as a world-class campus facility for research, education, and training in traditional craft skills, which the apprentices will both benefit from and contribute towards. The Centre is at the cutting edge, integrating the latest in technology and new workspaces, all whilst meeting the highest standards in environmental sustainability.

No two days are the same when working across an ancient estate of listed buildings ranging from the 12th century Old Palace and the Minster itself, to the many residential and commercial properties that complete the precinct.

The new apprentices will join a team passionate about caring for this very special place at the heart of the historic City of York. Their roles will be crucial in passing on this fragile building to the next generation, in a heritage estate that is rapidly evolving to face the challenges of the 21st century.

The apprenticeships available are:

Apprentice Electrician 

The Apprentice Electrician will play a key role working alongside our Electrical Engineer as York Minster continues its decarbonisation journey taking a leading role in heritage adaptation through the use of renewable energies.

Apprentice Painter & Decorator  

The Apprentice Painter & Decorator will have an eye for detail, creative flair and enthusiasm for the historic built environment. They will work closely with our wider Property Development Team to ensure that the cathedral and the other buildings within in the precinct remain in good decorative order.

Apprentice Stonemason  

The Apprentice Stonemason will learn the ancient craft of stonemasonry, alongside gaining hands-on experience with the latest digital technologies. They will use a wide range of tools to help combat some of the emerging challenges, such as climate change, which historic buildings like York Minster are facing.
Cate Birch, Head of Fundraising and Development at York Minster Fund, said: “As the lead fundraisers for York Minster, York Minster Fund are delighted to be continuing our support of a range of skills-based apprenticeships at the cathedral.

“With an urgent need for new recruits into the sector to meet construction and heritage conservation demand, these roles are crucial in enabling us to maintain and preserve our magnificent Minster for many generations to come.

“We are deeply grateful to all our charitable supporters for their funding, which ensures we can continue this vital work to the highest standards.”
 

Applying for the apprenticeships:  

These roles are open to candidates from all walks of life, and the Minster welcomes applications from those without specific prior experience in these fields.

Full role descriptions and details of how to apply can be found on the Minster’s website: York Minster | Vacancies