Workshop Trainee - Build a Career as aViolinRestorer

Do you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and creating work you can be proud of?

Sydney String Centre is Australia's leading specialist string instrument retailer and workshop. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Workshop Trainee to join our team and build a long-term career in the specialised craft of string instrument servicing, setup, repair and restoration.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from experienced restorers and craftspeople while developing skills that are rarely taught and highly valued within the string instrument industry. Through Sydney String Centre's structured development pathway, you will gain hands‑on experience across all aspects of instrument setup, maintenance, repair and restoration, progressing towards a rewarding career as a qualified restorer.

About the Role

As a Workshop Trainee, you will work alongside our workshop team, learning how to prepare, service, repair and set up violins, violas, cellos and double basses to the highest standards.

- Performing basic setup tasks and instrument maintenance
- Shaping and cuttingfingerboardnuts
- Shaping, fitting and adjusting bridges
- Cutting, fitting and adjusting soundposts
- Assisting with servicing, repairs and restoration work
- Serving Customers
- Playing and evaluating finished instruments
- Using specialist woodworking machinery and hand tools
- Performing workshop organisation and maintenance tasks
- Supporting quality control processes throughout the workshop

As your skills and experience develop, you will take on increasingly advanced setup, repair and restoration work while being mentored by experienced restorers and craftspeople. You will also begin working directly with customers. This includes discussing instrument setup requirements, understanding customer concerns, explaining repair recommendations,



and helping musicians achieve the best performance from their instruments. Strong communication skills are therefore an important part of the role, alongside technical craftsmanship.

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

At Sydney String Centre, we do not just employ workshop staff. We develop future restorers. Our Workshop Level System provides a clear pathway for career development, allowing you to progressively build your skills from trainee level through to advanced workshop and restorer responsibilities.

What We’re Looking For

- Excellent attention to detail
- Enjoy working with their hands
- Take pride in producing high-quality work
- Eager to learn and develop new skills
- Strong problem‑solving abilities
- Reliable, organised and self‑motivated
- Enjoy working as part of a team
- Interest in woodworking, craftsmanship, manufacturing, music or instruments
- Strong verbal and written English communication skills
- Can communicate professionally and confidently with customers

Previous luthier/restorer experience is not required. A positive attitude, willingness to learn and genuine interest in craftsmanship are far more important. Ability to play an orchestral stringed instrument, or other stringed instrument is desirable and very helpful but not essential.

What We Offer

- A long-term career in a unique and highly specialised trade
- Structured training and professional development
- Mentoring from experienced restorers
- A clear pathway for career progression
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
- A workplace that values quality, precision and continuous improvement

Join Sydney String Centre

If you are passionate about craftsmanship and are looking for a career where you can continually learn, develop and master a unique trade, we would love to hear from you.

Start your journey with Sydney String Centre and build a career as a restorer.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

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📌 Violin Workshop Trainee (City of Willoughby)
🏢 The Sydney String Centre
📍 City of Willoughby