Preventive Conservation Technician Apprentice

We are a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world and our ambition is to be a charity for everyone, starting from our own employees.

With this in mind, we are developing a wider program of apprenticeships, paid internships, and scholarships, and we are now looking to recruit a Level 3 Collections Technician Apprentice.

Your time will be divided between attending classes on relevant subjects and practical experience in the workplace which will include:

• Carry out conservation safeguarding duties during events or filming, often out of core hours.
• Remove dust from floors and flat surfaces behind barriers and artefacts in the display and storage areas to an agreed professional conservation standard.
• Document and report the changing condition of artefacts and interiors on display.
• Assist with other activities, including packing and moving objects when necessary.
• Assist the delivery of exhibition programmes or projects under the supervision of a conservator.
• Assist in the delivery of servicing for specialist conservation equipment.
• Assist in maintaining Health and Safety related documentation.
• Assist in maintaining and organising preventive conservation supplies.
• Continue to maintain and develop professional knowledge.
• Receive training where and when appropriate, attend relevant lectures, seminars and exhibitions and share acquired knowledge.
• Work effectively, efficiently and safely with all HRP employees and volunteers.
• Be an ambassador for conservation as part of the public areas on a daily basis, communicating in a friendly and professional way directly with visitors and other customers.
  
  

We are looking for someone who is keen to learn, has good attention to details and manual dexterity, and an understanding of the importance of good conservation practices. You will also need good communication skills and the ability to manage your time and workload.

A passion for working in a cultural heritage environment would be very helpful for this role and a Willingness to work off site, in public view and at heights is also required.

Requirements

More than anything we are looking for potential, but, as this Apprenticeship starts at level 3 we do have a few eligibility requirements:

• You must be 18 years old or over on 2nd September 2026. 
• Live in UK (resident in country role is based).
• You must not have completed a degree or equivalent level qualification in the UK or elsewhere and not already be in full-time education.
  
  

The Preventive Conservation Technician works within the Conservation & Collection Care, and Collections Management (CCC CM) team, ensuring that the collections and historic interiors in the care of Historic Royal Palaces are maintained to exemplary conservation standards by providing practical support for collection care, including hands on conservation cleaning and safeguarding during events and filming. This role also supports the maintenance of equipment and supplies to ensure the smooth running of the team and will proactively communicate the importance of preventive conservation work to both generalist and specialist audiences.