Apprenticeship training course
Museums and galleries technician (level 3)
Creating permanent and temporary exhibitions and displays, meeting strict deadlines of time and cost.
- Qualification level
-
3
Equivalent to A level. - Typical duration
- 15 months
- Apprenticeship category
- Creative and design
- Maximum funding
-
£11,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training. - Also known as
-
- Art handler
- Art technician
- Collection technician
- Curatorial assistant
- Exhibition technician
- Museums assistant
- Skills
-
Skills an apprentice will learn
- Contribute to the design, modify, prepare and build containers, fixings and packing for the safe storage and transit of objects, and justify the selection and use of materials for this, based on the specifications of the objects.
- Undertake safe handling, movement and installation of objects taking into account location, fragility, weight, size and other hazards.
- Ensure the safe use, appropriate selection and application of hand/machine tools and equipment relevant to objects specifications and their value. This may include fixed and hand-held equipment, ladders, scaffolding and band saws.
- Keep storage areas and associated work spaces clean and tidy in line with the organisation’s and associated parties (where applicable) policies and procedures.
- Carry out planned reviews and improvements to storage and display areas.
- Review, repair, reline and adapt showcases.
- Assist with the identification of faults and appropriate maintenance of equipment and machinery used in technicians work in accordance with the organisations policies and procedures such as ladders, scaffolding, hand tools, trolleys, band saws, laser cutters and any hot metal equipment for making mounts for objects.
- Move, or oversee the safe movement of, objects for photography, collections care, loans and/or changes to displays demonstrating special awareness at all times.
- Identify and minimise any pest or environmental related risks to objects in the organisation's care.
- Assist with collections and object care procedures including examination, treatment and full documentation on a wide range of objects.
- Undertake risk assessments either manually or electronically, in-line with company process, to ensure safe working practices for staff and public.
- Ensure all completed risk assessments are effectively communicated with relevant parties.
- Liaise with relevant staff to ensure that objects databases are accurately maintained and updated.
- Document and report information about the condition of objects as per the organisation's policies and procedures including photographing objects to maintain visual records and aid accurate record keeping.
- Assist relevant staff with the writing of condition and treatment reports for objects and advise on suitable storage.
- Prepare the relevant space for object installation and de-installation in line with agreed plans e.g. plinth manufacture, false wall building, artist commissions.
- Offer advice and guidance about appropriate display, storage and environmental controls for objects for internal or external stakeholders.
- Research and source materials, tools, equipment and supplies needed to make displays, mounts, cases and commissions.
- Where appropriate order these in line with the organisation's purchasing procedures and budget constraints of the task, to deliver technical designs and store objects.
- Complete documentation associated with sourcing and managing materials in-line with company standards.
- Identify unexpected challenges such as changes in environmental and biological conditions, deviation from the specifications and operational restrictions.
- Offer and implement appropriate solutions to the identified challenge or seek appropriate guidance.
- Write, speak and present information clearly.
- Complete required documentation in-line with company standards.
- Explain complex issues and difficult decisions in a way that is easy to understand to a range of audiences adapting methods of communication as appropriate for the audience.
- Work as part of a team, and cross-departmentally, sharing responsibilities as appropriate.
- Undertake all tasks within agreed timeframes and budgets and in line with curatorial and/or collections care requirements, reporting progress as appropriate.
- Work independently on a range of agreed tasks.
Full information on Museums and galleries technician (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.