In England, Historic Environment Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standards have now been approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) for five areas of practice: Archaeological Technician (Level 3), Archaeological Specialist (Level 7), Historic Environment Advice Assistant (Level 4), Conservation Technician (Level 4) and Conservator (Level 7). A final Historic Environment Advisor Standard (Levell 7) is expected to be approved shortly.
We are working with Historic England and colleagues in the Trailblazer Steering Group to identify training providers to work with employers on the delivery of the new Standards. The first Historic Environment Advice Assistant apprentices are already in place (see https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/training-skills/work-based-training/heritage-apprenticeships/ for details) and we expect recruitment for the first apprentices under both the Archaeology standards to begin this spring.
Progress with the development of a Modern Apprenticeship in Scotland has continued apace, led by an Archaeology Skills Panel representing key employers, supported by Cara Jones, CIfA’s Senior Professional Development Coordinator in Scotland, working closely with Skills Development Scotland. The panel is in the process of developing content for a Professional Development Award to support the apprenticeship and is hoping that development work on the Modern Apprenticeship itself will be completed by the end the year.
If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships, you can contact Anna Welch (Trailblazers, England) at anna.welch@archaeologists.net or Cara Jones (Modern Apprenticeships, Scotland) at cara.jones@archaeologists.net
