Apprenticeship training course

Archaeological technician (level 3)

Providing support during archaeological investigations, which may comprise surveys, excavations and post-excavation analysis.

• Qualification level: 3 ; Equivalent to A level.
• Typical duration: 12 months
• Apprenticeship category: Creative and design
• Maximum funding: £9,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Archaeological fieldwork technician
  • Archaeologist
  • Environmental processor
  • Environmental technician
  • Finds assistant
  • Finds processor
  • Finds technician
  • Site assistant
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Apply an awareness of professional judgement and ethical behaviour.
  • Research and assimilate appropriate background information, including that from project specific Written Schemes of Investigation, archaeological archives and reports, aerial photographic collections, LiDAR data, and geophysical and topographic surveys and local and national listings.
  • Catalogue data recovered from archaeological excavations, including environmental and geological samples, artefacts and ecofacts.
  • Maintain their own safety, and that of others, by adhering to all applicable Health and Safety rules, policies and procedures.
  • Recognise and report risks in order to reduce the risk of incidents.
  • Conduct work in line with Employer’s and industry procedures and standards, specifically the CIfA Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Excavation, Watching Brief, Evaluation and Archives.
  • Establish the requirements upon them for forthcoming projects, including timescales, deadlines, work locations and supervisors.
  • Estimate resources and select appropriate equipment, including hand tools, survey, recording and measuring equipment, and artefact sampling, collection packaging, labelling and processing equipment.
  • Investigate and understand archaeological sites and heritage assets.
  • Recognise and be able to appropriately package and preserve fragile material evidence of past communities.
  • Compile catalogues and databases of archaeological context records, samples and finds.
  • Contribute to the preparation of archaeological site archives and materials for museum deposition.
  • Carry out work both indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions, all year round.
  • Identify information required to achieve research objectives, for instance reference to project specific Written Schemes of Investigation for archaeological strategies, and to appropriate published regional, period or subject research agendas.
  • Follow correct procedures to access and use information, including Employer’s technical manuals, GIS systems and databases.
  • Validate/evaluate accuracy of information, including proof reading of data entry and reports.
  • Categorise and classify data appropriately, including creation of databases and stratigraphic matrices for archaeological excavations.
  • Present and report data using field records in appropriate form for various audiences, including plans, sections, pro-forma context recording sheets and databases.
  • Contribute to advances in the body of knowledge and Historic Environment Practice.
  • Commit to continuous improvement and personal development.

Full information on Archaeological technician (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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