The Newport Restoration Foundation’s Historic Trades Initiative provides opportunities for new and experienced craftspeople to expand their skills, learn new trades, and gain expertise in the historic trades.
Job Shadowing: NRF Preservation Crew
Why Job Shadow
54% of Newport properties are considered historic which makes Newport and Aquidneck Island ideal areas to learn the historic trades. Through this job shadowing program, participants will understand the breadth of trades involved in preservation and where their interests lie. Once complete, participants will have insight into whether they wish to pursue a career in the historic trades.
What You Will Learn
This five-day job shadowing program provides opportunities for community members to gain experience in the preservation trades, including:
- Painting
- Carpentry
- Site Preparation
Who Should Participate
- Anyone with a strong interest in working in the trades.
- 18+ years
- Basic construction skills are a plus, but not required.
- Able to lift 50 lbs. and stand for several hours.
Who Should Participate
- Anyone with a strong interest in working in the trades.
- 18+ years
- Basic construction skills are a plus, but not required.
- Able to lift 50 lbs. and stand for several hours.
Date and Time 8:00am – 4:30pm for five days
Days can be consecutive or staggered over several weeks
Location Each day starts at the NRF Mill (62 Halsey St, Newport)
Participants will then travel to the job site with NRF Crew
Compensation Participants will be paid a stipend of $600 for five days.
How to Apply Please complete this online application.
Historic Carpentry Internship
What You Will Learn
The internship is an up to 12-week full-time position at NRF’s carpentry mill (62 Halsey Street, Newport). The intern will work under the supervision of NRF’s Mill Supervisor who will guide the daily prioritization of work to be completed. The mill’s primary role is to repair or recreate interior and exterior property features such as windows, doors, trim, clapboard, and staircases for installation on NRF properties.
What To Expect
Participants in this internship will learn how to:
- Perform the duties of a carpenter, including the repair or, if necessary, reproduction of window frames, sash, doors, ridge boards, moldings, water tables, corner boards, frieze boards, soffit, and any other elements of exterior and/or interior trim; cut, set, sanding, and glaze glass.
- Assess the existing conditions of historic material and assist in helping NRF make sound decisions regarding preserving, repairing, restoring, or replacing historic materials or features.
- Operate, safely and expertly, the following equipment: table saw, band saw, 6” auto-feed molding machine, shaper, 12” disc sander, drill press, bench grinders, mortising machine, and all types of hand tools.
- Maintain existing equipment and machinery to ensure safe operation.
- Provide painting, varnishing, and staining for woodwork.
What You Should Know
Applicants should have:
- Knowledge of basic operation of stationary machinery- thickness plainer, miter box, radial arm saw, and table saw
- 1 year of base carpentry experience or training – preservation training is not necessary
- Knowledge of machinery safety protocol
- Reliable transportation to the NRF Mill
Schedule 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday
10-12 weeks, start date depending on student availability
Location Each day starts at the NRF Mill (62 Halsey St, Newport)
Participants will then travel to the job site with NRF Crew
Compensation $18.00 per hour as an NRF employee
How to Apply
Please complete this online application.