Trainee Stained Glass Conservator

Details

Deadline: 2 November 2026, noon

The York Glaziers Trust is seeking to recruit a trainee stained glass conservator to join its team. The successful candidate will be mainly based at the Trust’s studio in the centre of York.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong interest in traditional craft skills and the heritage sector, a passion for detail and a commitment to excellence. You will train alongside a team of sector leaders in stained glass craft and conservation, working in and around the magnificent setting of York Minster, with the chance to work at other historic sites throughout the UK, including the University of Oxford and Lincoln’s Inn, London. As a member of a key partner in the York Minster Centre of Excellence in Heritage Skills and Estate Management you will interact with other heritage trades. You will develop high levels of skill in one of the most competitive and sought-after areas of the historic glass and glazing craft. The YGT has a strong track record in training and staff retention, helping its staff into rewarding long-term careers.

The YGT is the oldest and largest of Britain’s specialist stained glass conservation studios, and is internationally renowned. A stained glass conservator at the YGT is responsible for caring for some of the nation’s more valuable priceless stained glass artworks and they need a multifaceted skillset to do so. A trainee will learn how to conduct historical and scientific investigation, materials examination and analysis, diagrammatic, written and photographic recording, as well as hands on technical and craft skills. The trainee will become conversant in both traditional tools and techniques as well as cutting-edge new technologies.

Key responsibilities:

• Carry out all areas of stained glass conservation work (including cleaning, edge-bonding, lead repair, cutting and painting of infills).
• Undertake digital documentation.
• Assist with all tasks associated with glazing work, e.g. glass-cutting, glazing, cementing, fixing/deinstallation.
• When necessary, assist with work on site away from York.
• Expect to work in dusty, dirty, cold and wet conditions. Appropriate protective clothing will be provided.
• Have a flexible approach to working times, prioritising the needs of the business.
• Familiarise themselves with YGT health and safety policies and take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and other people who may be affected by actions at work.
• Use all specialist equipment in accordance with training and instructions.
• Attend training sessions as and when required and take part in public outreach and promotional events.
• Carry out any reasonable task that may be required by the Trust in pursuance of its business on behalf of its clients and conduct themselves at all times in a professional, mature, and respectful manner.
• A full clean driving licence and ability to drive a works van is desirable but not essential.

Requirements:

• Someone with a passion and pride in working with your hands, and for high quality workmanship
• A natural team player with an appetite for learning from others, and a disciplined approach
• Someone with the ability to work at height and in all weathers
• You must be over 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in the UK
• Note, someone whose practical skill and desire to do work that contributes to the future of our heritage will matter more to us that your qualifications.
• Applicants will be required to confirm that they are entitled to accept employment in the UK, that they are sufficiently fit to fulfil the requirements of the position, including the ability to work comfortably and safely at height.

If shortlisted for interview, these take place in person in York in December 2026.