Preventive Conservation Technician Apprentice

HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES

East Molesey (KT8 9AU)

Closes on Thursday 7 May 2026

Posted on 24 February 2026

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Summary

We are a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world and our ambition is to be a charity for everyone, starting from our own employees. 

With this in mind, we are now looking to recruit a Collections Technician Apprentice.

• Wage:

  £24,177 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Collections technician (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, may work evenings and weekends.

  36 hours a week

• Start date:

  Tuesday 1 September 2026

• Duration:

  2 years

• Positions available:

  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

Your time will be divided between attending classes on relevant subjects and practical experience in the workplace, which will include: 

• Carry out conservation safeguarding duties during events or filming, often out of core hours.
• Remove dust from floors and flat surfaces behind barriers and artefacts in the display and storage areas to an agreed professional conservation standard.
• Document and report the changing condition of artefacts and interiors on display.
• Assist with other activities, including packing and moving objects when necessary.
• Assist in the delivery of exhibition programmes or projects under the supervision of a conservator.
• Assist in the delivery of servicing for specialist conservation equipment.
• Assist in maintaining health and safety-related documentation.
  Assist in maintaining and organising preventive conservation supplies.
• Continue to maintain and develop professional knowledge.
• Receive training where and when appropriate, attend relevant lectures, seminars and exhibitions and share acquired knowledge.
• Work effectively, efficiently and safely with all HRP employees and volunteers.
• Be an ambassador for conservation as part of the public areas on a daily basis, communicating in a friendly and professional way directly with visitors and other customers.

Where you'll work

Historic Royal Palaces
Hampton Court Palace
East Molesey
KT8 9AU

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL

Training course

Collections technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Assess condition, stability and possible risks to an object in relation its location or intended use.
• Identify and minimise challenges in environmental and biological conditions related to objects and or collections.
• Select tools and equipment related to the specific task.
• Assist with the identification of faults and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Undertake safe handling and movement of objects considering the physical safety of themself and others.
• Carry out planned reviews to enable improvements to storage and display areas.
• Keep storage areas and associated workspaces clean and tidy in line with policies and procedures.
• Assist with object collections following care procedures.
• Handle objects in a way that minimises risk to the object in line with organisations and sector guidelines.
• Identify and select viable options before making decisions as to the final agreed approach.
• Carry out procedures for assessment management and mitigation of risk.
• Complete and maintain records and databases in line with organisational standards.
• Document and report information about the condition of objects as per the organisation’s policies and procedures and industry guidelines.
• Undertake and report on tasks within agreed timeframes and budgets and in line with curatorial and or collections care requirements.
• Undertake work in a way that takes into account the specific security requirements of objects and collections.
• Adapt communication to meet the needs of the audience, for example, internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop a personal professional development plan linked to personal and professional development needs.
• Contribute to designing, preparing, and building containers, fixings, supports and packing for objects based on their specifications.
• Identify the materials needed to make displays, mounts, cases and commissions in line with budget constraints and resources.
• Undertake object installation and de-installation in line with agreed plans, health and safety procedures and deadlines
• Select methods and materials to suit the object and the work to be carried out, in consultation with conservators and specialists.
• Carry out interventive or preventive conservation measures in agreement with supervisor.
• Assess condition, stability and possible risks to an object in relation its location or intended use.
• Identify and minimise challenges in environmental and biological conditions related to objects and or collections.
• Select tools and equipment related to the specific task.
• Assist with the identification of faults and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Undertake safe handling and movement of objects considering the physical safety of themself and others.
• Carry out planned reviews to enable improvements to storage and display areas.
• Keep storage areas and associated workspaces clean and tidy in line with policies and procedures.
• Assist with object collections following care procedures.
• Handle objects in a way that minimises risk to the object in line with organisations and sector guidelines.
• Identify and select viable options before making decisions as to the final agreed approach.
• Carry out procedures for assessment management and mitigation of risk.
• Complete and maintain records and databases in line with organisational standards.
• Document and report information about the condition of objects as per the organisation’s policies and procedures and industry guidelines.
• Undertake and report on tasks within agreed timeframes and budgets and in line with curatorial and or collections care requirements.
• Undertake work in a way that takes into account the specific security requirements of objects and collections.
• Adapt communication to meet the needs of the audience, for example, internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop a personal professional development plan linked to personal and professional development needs.

Training schedule

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

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
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical skills

About this employer

Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) is a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We create space for spirits to stir and be stirred.

After this apprenticeship

This is a great first step into a conservation career.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000017524.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 7 May 2026

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.