Heritage Machinery Conservation Internship

Details

Deadline: 1 July 2026

Are you curious about how things work? Interested in history, engineering, conservation or making? Want to build hands-on skills while working with incredible historic machinery? This is a unique opportunity to begin a career in heritage conservation by working with the Science and Industry Museum’s collection of historic textile looms. This internship will help preserve and restore machines that tell the story of Manchester’s industrial past, whilst developing valuable technical and conservation skills for your future career.

As a Heritage Machinery Conservation Intern, you’ll work alongside experienced technicians, conservators and museum professionals to help care for and conserve historic textile machinery. Over the course of the internship, you’ll gain practical experience in:

• Heritage conservation and collections care
• Mechanical systems and machinery maintenance
• Technical research and documentation
• Workshop and hands-on conservation practice
• Museum operations and public engagement

You’ll support the conservation and restoration of historic textile looms so they can safely operate as part of the museum’s live demonstration programme; helping bring industrial history to life for visitors.

You do not need previous experience or specific knowledge to apply, they will support your learning and development throughout the placement. Instead, you’ll be someone with enthusiasm, curiosity, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to build a career in this area. Experience with tools, workshops, mechanical equipment, engineering, museums or conservation is welcome, but not essential.