Construction Manager - Apprentice

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.

Join Our Team: Apprentice Construction Manager (Midlands)

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 is designed to develop you into a well-rounded, construction professional who understands the operational, environmental, and heritage considerations of working along the UK's waterways.

Working Hours & Location

This role follows an annualised hours system, including 5 days out of 7 (could be weekends and statutory holidays). You'll be based at one of our depots and travel across the region. We are flexible on location for this role and you could be based in any of the following areas : Birmingham.

Role Overview

As a Construction Manager Apprentice, you'll join our construction and maintenance teams who are responsible for essential works across our network - from lock gate replacements and structural repairs to large, planned engineering projects.

You'll learn how to plan, coordinate, and monitor on-site activities to ensure work is completed safely, on time, and to the required quality standards.

You'll start with the basics and learn some hands-on skills in outdoor environments, learning from experienced construction professionals and gaining insight into how major heritage and infrastructure projects are planned, managed, and delivered. Then as your knowledge and skills grow, you will begin to assist in site inspections and contribute to the running of daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning and coordination of construction and maintenance works across your assigned region.
• Work outdoors with our operational construction teams, contributing to maintenance, repair, and restoration tasks.
• Learn how projects are scheduled, budgeted, and delivered safely and effectively.
• Participate in the annual winter stoppage programme - one of our busiest periods for major engineering work.
• Gain experience of heritage-led repairs and environmentally sensitive construction methods.
• Work consultatively with our contractors, suppliers and project teams.
• Ensure Health & Safety is integral to all plans and help maintain compliance with relevant legislation and Trust Standards.
• Demonstrate and promote the Trust's values, ensuring inclusion and diversity are embedded in daily practice.

Training & Development

Depending on your prior qualifications, you will work towards a Level 6 Construction Site Management apprenticeship with one of our expert training providers. (You may need to complete a Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor apprenticeship initially).

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.

About You

You don't need any previous experience in construction management - we'll provide all the training you need. We do, however, ask that you bring some knowledge, experience or a qualification in a construction-related field to meet the programme's entry requirements.

What matters most is that you're genuinely interested in how a construction site operates, are motivated by getting the best out of people, you prioritise health and safety, and you're driven to make a positive impact.

• You'll enjoy tackling challenges, working outdoors, and feeling comfortable in all weather conditions.
• Ideally, you have grade A-C or grade 9-4 in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on track.

Contact & Application

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

What We Offer

We offer a starting annual salary of £24,000. 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 (

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Our values

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 the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We'll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions - without exception - are made by our hiring managers.

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

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