Archaeologist

If you are inspired by ancient monuments such as Stonehenge, and by the thought of unearthing the past, you might like to become an archaeologist. For most people, archaeology is a difficult field to work in as a long-term career option – it is highly competitive and it can be very difficult to obtain regular contracts.

Nearly half the work available is research-based or field investigation and is for commercial organisations. English Heritage also employs archaeologists.

Most archaeologists take a degree in archaeology or a connected subject, such as geography or biology. It is also possible to enter the profession as an adult if you have a strong enthusiasm for the subject. Employers like to see experience of field excavation work before being offered a work contract.

Further information

• www.connexions-direct.com

Contacts

• Bridgwater College, Bath Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4PZ. Tel: 01278 455464. Web: www.bridgwater.ac.uk
• Council for British Archaeology, St Mary’s House, 66 Bootham, York YO30 7BZ. Web: www.britarch.ac.uk
• Cultural Heritage National Training Organisation, 7 Burnett Street, Little Germany, Bradford BD1 5BJ. Tel: 01274 391056. Web: www.chnto.co.uk
• Institute of Field Archaeologists, University of Reading, SHES, Whiteknights, PO Box 227, Reading RG6 6AB. Tel: 0118 931 6446. Web: www.archaeologists.net
• University College Winchester (King Alfred’s), Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 4NR. Tel: 01962 841515. Web: www.wkac.ac.uk
• Museums Association, 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW. Tel: 020 7426 6970. Web: www.museumsassociation.org
• Salisbury College, Southampton Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2LW. Tel: 01722 344344. Web: www.salisbury.ac.uk
• School of Conservation Sciences, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB. Tel: 01202 595444. Web: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/conservation
• Truro College, College Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3XX. Tel: 01872 267000. Web: www.trurocollege.ac.uk

Tourist guide

If you like the idea of communicating enthusiastically your knowledge of Stonehenge or other national monuments, then consider becoming a tourist guide. In the UK there are only 6,000 paid guides, though, so there are not many opportunities.

Specific qualifications are not requested but an all-round general knowledge and education is important. There is a qualification specifically for guides, the Blue Badge, which can be studied part-time, as well as relevant NVQs and SVQs

Further information

• www.connexions-direct.com

Contacts

• Association of Professional Tourist Guides (APTG), 33-37 Moreland Street, London EC1V 8HA. Tel: 020 7780 4060. Web: www.aptg.org.uk
• The Guild of Registered Tourist Guides, The Guild House, 52D Borough High Street, London SE1 1XN. Tel: 020 7403 1115. Web: www.blue-badge-guides.com
• Hospitality Training Foundation, Second Floor, Armstrong House, 38 Market Square, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1LH. Tel: 0870 060 2550. Web: www.htf.org.uk
• Institute of Tourist Guiding, Lloyd’s Court, 1 Goodman’s Yard, London E1 8AT. Tel: 020 7953 1257. Web: www.itg.org.uk
• Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT), PO Box 217, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 8WY. Tel: 0870 770 7960. Web: www.itt.co.uk

Tourist information centre assistant

Working close to Stonehenge or other monuments might be a reason for wanting to work as a Tourist Information Centre assistant. You will probably also be a good communicator, well organised and a “people person”. Training is mostly at the workplace with additional courses are available for trainees.

Vacancies can be found in local press, Connexions centres and Jobcentre Plus offices and in local authorities news bulletins.

Further information

• Local government jobs are advertised on www.LGjobs.com
• Apprenticeships may be available: to find out more log on to www.apprenticeships.org.uk
• Contact your local Connexions Partnership: www.connexions-direct.com

Contacts

• Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT), PO Box 217, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 8WY. Tel: 0870 770 7960. Web: www.itt.co.uk
• Local Government Careers. Web: www.LGCareers.com

Conservation officer/restorer

The perfect job if you believe national heritage is important and care passionately about the conservation of monuments such as Stonehenge.

Most conservation officers/restorers are usually freelance; others work for organisations such as English Heritage, the National Trust, the Scottish Conservation Bureau, museums, galleries and large libraries, as well as the Public Records Office.

You will need a degree in Conservation/restoration and possibly a postgraduate course; it is also an advantage to have experience of working in a museum or other historic site. Some enter the profession with past career experience in stonemasonry, architecture or crafts.

Further information

• Visit the Connexions site for more information
  

Contacts

• Association of Independent Museums (AIM), SS Great Britain, Great Western Dock, Bristol BS1 6TY. Tel: 0117 926 0680. Web: www.museums.org.uk/aim

• Creative & Cultural Skills, 11 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RQ. Tel: 020 7089 5866. Web: www.ccskills.org.uk
• Museums Association (MA), 24 Calvin Street, London E1 6NW. Tel: 020 7426 6970. Web: www.museumsassociation.org
• National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies, NADFAS House, 8 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DA. Tel: 020 7430 0730. Web: www.nadfas.org.uk
• United Kingdom Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, 702 The Chandlery, 50 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7QY. Tel: 020 7721 8721. Web: www.ukic.org.uk