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Palaeontologist apprenticeships

Physical scientists > Palaeontologist

Environment and land | Science and research

Palaeontologist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course


    • University

    You could do a degree in: 

    • botany 
    • Earth sciences
    • geology 
    • palaeontology 
    • zoology 
    Some employers, like museums or oil and gas companies, may ask for a postgraduate qualification like a MGeol, MBiol or MSci. Other employers, like universities or research institutions, will expect you to have completed, or be working towards, a PhD in your specialist area of interest.

    You'll usually need: 

    • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science 
    • 2 or 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including a science 
    • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study 
    • you may find it helpful if you can speak a second language because you'll often be working with colleagues from around the world

    Palaeontologist apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • maths knowledge 
    • knowledge of geography 
    • analytical thinking skills
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • science skills
    • excellent written communication skills 
    • knowledge of physics 
    • knowledge of chemistry 
    • including the safe use and disposal of chemicals 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

    Palaeontologist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your tasks will depend on the sector you work in. Typically you could expect to: 

    • collect data and samples on field trips 
    • manage volunteers on dig sites 
    • examine and test samples in the lab using simple tools and technology like CT scans 
    • do research and publish your findings 
    • plan and deliver lectures 
    • develop courses and workshops 
    • record and classify samples and collections 
    • give talks and manage displays and exhibitions 
    • write articles for scientific websites and magazines
    • provide expert advice for broadcasters on programmes
    Working environment
    You could work in a laboratory, in a museum, at a university, visit sites or in an office. Your working environment may be physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

    Career path and progression - Palaeontologist apprenticeships

    You could work as a geological surveyor, a consultant in mining and mineral exploration, or the oil and gas industry. You could move into university teaching and research. The skills you gain are also valued in the scientific media, TV and the financial sector.

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    • Paid Training
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    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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