Apprentice Bookbinder, Windsor Castle

Household/Department - Royal Collection Trust
Section / Branch - Fine Art and Library
Location - Windsor Castle
Contract/recruitment type - Apprenticeship
Start date - October 2018
End date - October 2020
Starting salary - £17,062.50 per annum, plus benefits

About the role - It's developing new skills to help preserve a traditional craft
It's learning and contributing at the same time. And it's the satisfaction of caring for one of the world's largest art collections. This is what makes an apprenticeship with Royal Collection Trust so different.

- The Royal Library and Royal Archives hold a substantial collection of books, manuscripts and archives of international significance.

- The book conservation-restoration team works to preserve this important collection as well as create new bindings for the Royal Household, maintaining the very highest standards of bookbinding craftsmanship.

- Joining us for an apprenticeship means you will learn from the best. Our two year foundation-level training programme will equip you with a good understanding of the practical and commercial aspects of bookbinding.

- You will gain hands-on experience in a range of traditional hand bookbinding activities, including creating new bindings and boxes, assisting with the conservation and restoration of books and supporting the overall administration of the Royal Bindery. In addition, you will undertake work placements in external commercial binderies.

- Undertaking project work, you will be able to support and track your progress through written reports and visual presentations.

- You will also develop valuable business and IT skills, and obtain City & Guilds qualifications.

- You will gain experience in a highly-skilled profession and craft: by helping to care for items from the Royal Library and Royal Archives, you will develop skills that will launch your career in this field.

- After successfully completing the two-year foundation apprenticeship, you will have the option to continue your training with our advanced-level programme over a further three years.

About you

- Educated to GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science, you enjoy practical work and are eager to develop new skills.

- With a keen eye for detail, you are confident in handling objects with care. You are also able to motivate yourself and maintain concentration, completing tasks to a high standard.

- A good communicator, you will enjoy working effectively as part of a team and you will be keen to receive guidance and feedback, learning from those around you.

- You do not need to have bookbinding experience, but you must enjoy creative work and you will be keen to immerse yourself in the unique training opportunities that the Collection presents.

- Above all, your positive approach to work means that you will tackle every challenge with enthusiasm, making the most of the experience.

- This is a fantastic opportunity to play a part in maintaining the future of an historic craft.

Interview date - July 2018

Vacancy Closing Date - 1st July 2018 at 23:55

Additional information can be found here.