Apprentice Journeyman Bookbinder

It's developing new skills to help preserve a traditional craft

It's learning and contributing at the same time. And it's the satisfaction of caring for one of the world's largest art collections. This is what makes an apprenticeship with Royal Collection Trust so different.

The Royal Library and Royal Archives hold a substantial collection of books, manuscripts and archives of international significance.

The book conservation-restoration team works to preserve this important collection as well as create new bindings for the Royal Household, maintaining the very highest standards of bookbinding craftsmanship.

Joining us for an apprenticeship means you will learn from the best. Our three-year advanced-level training programme will equip you with a developed understanding of the practical and commercial aspects of bookbinding.

You will gain hands-on experience in a range of traditional hand bookbinding activities. You’ll help to produce new bindings and boxes, assist with the conservation and restoration of books and also supporting the overall administration of the Royal Bindery. In addition, you will undertake work placements in external commercial binderies. 

You’ll have autonomy over your work, and undertaking project work, you’ll support and track your progress through written reports and visual presentations.

You will also develop valuable business and IT skills, and obtain City & Guilds qualifications as well as enter national bookbinding competitions.

You will gain experience in a highly-skilled profession and craft: by helping to care for items from the Royal Library and Royal Archives, you will develop skills that will continue to carve out your career in this field.

You will already have City & Guilds Levels 1, 2 and 3 qualifications in hand bookbinding or demonstrable equivalent skills.

Educated to GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science, you enjoy practical work and are eager to develop new skills.

With a keen eye for detail, you are confident in handling objects with care and a good understanding of the fundamentals of Western bookbinding development. You are also able to motivate yourself and maintain concentration, completing tasks to a high standard.

A good communicator, you will enjoy working effectively as part of a team and you will be keen to receive guidance and feedback, learning from those around you.  

You will have a knowledge of the currently available equipment and materials, and enjoy the creative nature of the work. Above all, your positive approach to work means that you will tackle every challenge with enthusiasm, making the most of the experience.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a part in maintaining the future of an historic craft.