Archaeological Specialist

You’ll help plan, undertake and lead archaeological research and investigations on an archaeological specialist apprenticeship.

Archaeologists plan, carry out and lead archaeological research and investigations, including surveys, excavations, post-excavation analysis, and scientific examination of archaeological artefacts and data. 

In this job, you will acquire specialised knowledge of one or more fields of archaeological research and study.

You’ll be in charge of processing, reporting, and preparing archaeological data and items for long-term storage. You will work on-site (in all weather conditions), in an office, or a laboratory, and will be required to operate technical equipment and do physical tasks.

You’ll be in charge of leading and carrying out archaeological research and investigation. You’ll be held to a high standard for the delivery and quality of your and others’ work.

What you’ll learn

On an archaeological specialist apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Maintain and develop reference materials and databases, categorising and classifying data, including electronic data, as needed.
• Select, secure, test, and calibrate the equipment and reference materials.
• Examine the relevance of research techniques, processes, and background information to the investigation.
• Work well both alone and as part of a team.
• Work effectively and adequately to accomplish assignments to high standards while staying within the project’s limits.
• Communicate and effectively use written documentation.
• Capability to employ supervisory techniques effectively.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment comprises two distinct assessment methods: 

•  Project with questioning
•  Professional discussion supported by a portfolio

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 7 Archaeological Specialist Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.