Join Our Team: Apprentice Construction Manager (South) 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: Banbury & Milton Keynes.
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 an apprenticeship with one of our expert training providers (you may need to complete an 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.
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.
Qualifications and Desired Attributes
* 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.
Salary and Benefits
* 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: ( )
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