Heritage Ironworker and Engineer Apprenticeship (Coachbuilding, machining and metalworking)
DONKEYWELL FORGE LTD
GLOS (GL7 5DH)
Closes on Sunday 31 August 2025
Posted on 28 July 2025
Contents
Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join Donkeywell Forge on a 3-year apprenticeship journey with Heritage Skills Academy to become a Master Coachbuilder and Blacksmith. They are seeking a highly motivated individual to join their highly skilled team of Master Ironworkers and engineering artisans to create and restore bespoke ironwork and vehicles.
- Wage
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£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Applicant’s age, experience and qualifications vary; therefore, the starting salary may vary based on these factors. Pay will be reviewed regularly.
- Training course
- Heritage engineering technician (level 3)
- Hours
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Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm
40 hours a week
- Start date
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Sunday 30 November 2025
- Duration
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3 years
- Positions available
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1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
This apprenticeship combines old-school coachbuilding and fabrication with modern technology. Apprentices will be taught about:
- The history and development of materials, vehicle and metalwork construction
- Hand skills, technical drawing and pattern development and welding
- Forge work and fabrication including bending, folding, shrinking and stretching
- Wheeling, making bucks, removal and replacement of components
The successful applicant will be building unique iconic vehicles and structures.
Where you'll work
DONKEYWELL FORGE
CIRENCESTER
GLOS
GL7 5DH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
HERITAGE SKILLS ACADEMY LIMITED
Training course
Heritage engineering technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
Training schedule
Heritage Engineering Technician Level 3.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade C)
- Maths (grade C)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
- Timekeeping
About this employer
Donkeywell Forge began life in 2012 as a traditional blacksmith’s forge. They pride themselves on the diverse projects they are able to create, design and make in a range of metals for its discerning global client base. All projects are hand crafted by their master architectural metalworkers at their forge which is located in the Cotswolds. Items they make include bespoke coachbuilding, ironwork, gates and railings, arches, railings, grilles, grates and bespoke artisan commissions.
After this apprenticeship
On completion of the Programme, you will be qualified as a Heritage Engineering Technician. Employment with Donkeywell Forge after completion of the apprenticeship is not guaranteed but very likely, subject to performance and a permanent position being available.
The classic vehicle and ironworking industry is thriving and the companies that HSA work with are world-class. Prospects for progression range from specialist technical roles to management positions and international work opportunities.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
HERITAGE SKILLS ACADEMY LIMITED
Janice Pitchforth
jj@heritageskillsacademy.co.uk
07973844025
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000334225.
Apply now
Closes on Sunday 31 August 2025
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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.