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Archaeologist apprenticeships

Social and humanities scientists > Archaeologist

Environment and land | Science and research

Archaeologist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship


    • University

    Most professional archaeologists have a degree, and many also have a postgraduate qualification. You can do degree courses in archaeology, as well as those specialising in different aspects of the work, like: 

    • conservation 
    • environmental archaeology 
    • human evolution 
    • forensic investigation 
    • archaeological science 
    You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study. 

    Apprenticeship
    Relevant Apprenticeships include: 

    • Level 3 Archaeological technician 
    • Archaeological specialist degree apprenticeship
    You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship. 

    Volunteering

    Competition for courses and jobs is very strong. It's essential that you get practical experience. Local and regional archaeological associations often have programmes of field activities that you can join. You'll find details of volunteering opportunities through the Council for British Archaeology. Experience and qualifications in computer aided design (CAD), illustration and geographical information systems (GIS) can be helpful.


    Archaeologist apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • an interest and knowledge of history 
    • the ability to work well with your hands
    • knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • persistence and determination 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • analytical thinking skills 
    • concentration skills 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Archaeologist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You could: 

    • identify possible sites to study using aerial photography, field-walking and surveying 
    • take part in excavations or digs 
    • record finds and sites using photography, detailed notes and drawings 
    • identify and classify finds 
    • clean and preserve finds in a laboratory 
    • use laboratory analysis like carbon-dating 
    • use computers to produce simulations of the way a site or artefact would have looked 
    • preserve industrial artefacts and buildings 
    • check planning applications and identify the impact of development on archaeological sites 
    • make sure important sites, buildings and monuments are protected 
    • classify, display and look after artefacts in a museum
    Working environment
    You could work in a museum, in an office or visit sites. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

    Career path and progression - Archaeologist apprenticeships

    You may find it useful to join a professional body like the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists. You could work in academic research or in environmental planning With experience, you may be able to progress to a senior role like site supervisor or director. You could also specialise in teaching or preservation.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • 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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