Workshop Fabrication - Apprentice

Ferry Ln, Stanley, Wakefield WF3 4LT
, UK

Posted Wednesday 18 February 2026 at 01:00 | Expires Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 00:59

About the Trust

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Our apprenticeship programmes play a key role in protecting traditional canal skills, supporting local employment, and ensuring we continue the vital work of maintaining and restoring the waterways for future generations.

This programme will develop you into a well‑rounded, multiskilled workshop professional who understands the operational, environmental, and heritage considerations of working along the UK’s waterways.

The role will be based from our Stanley Ferry workshop 5 days a week. The working hours of the workshop are 07:30 - 16:00 Monday to Thursday & 07:30 - 12:30 on Fridays.

• Carry out a wide range of maintenance and repair activities using fabrication and welding skills.
• Interpret technical drawings and templates to mark out and produce new parts using different metals.
• Operate tools and equipment safely and skilfully to join metal parts using a range of techniques.
• Check materials meet required grades, dimensions, and quality standards. Carry out quality inspections on components and completed assemblies.
• Deliver work efficiently, productively, and to agreed standards and programmes.
• Promote inclusion and diversity across the Trust and challenge behaviours or decisions that conflict with our values.
• Demonstrate the Trust’s values and behaviours at all times.

• You will work towards the Level 3 Metal Fabricator apprenticeship with one of our expert training providers. Whilst on-the‑job, you will work with supportive colleagues to get the best out of your apprenticeship experience
• The Canal & River Trust is committed to supporting apprentices to become experts in their field, offering structured development pathways and long‑term career prospects.

• You don’t need any prior experience - we’ll teach you everything you need. What matters is you have a genuine interest in practical, hands‑on work.
• You enjoy solving problems and feel comfortable working both in a workshop environment and outside.
• Ideally, you have grade A‑C or grade 9‑4 in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on track.

Apprentice story:
Brian decided to change career and joined us after completing a Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeship and has since moved into a Workshop Craft Operative role where he manufactures all the metal parts for our lock gates. See more here:
Brian's Story

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us rui We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

We offer a starting annual salary of £22,095
. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1 .

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent…