Supporting new careers Aedan
Trainee archaeologist People always told me that there was no future in ancient history or archaeology. I guess they had never heard of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust (CAT) trainee programme. My route into archaeology is a somewhat unconventional one; I studied ancient history at bachelor’s and ancient history with archaeology at master’s. Initially, I thought that I would go into lecturing; I enjoyed research and had just had work published in the newest edition of the Oxford Classical Dictionary. Subsequently, academia seemed like the logical next step. However, I have always been fond of archaeology and was interested in becoming an archaeologist, although I was apprehensive that because I had not done my degree and master’s purely in archaeology, that this would be a hurdle. This was a misconception. Through the connections CAT have with the University of Kent, I had my first encounter with the Trust, as a volunteer, last summer, for a dig at the excavation of a mosaic within the Roman villa at East Wear Bay, Folkstone. My mentor, Adelina the Osteoarchaeologist, Finds and Archive Manager, gave me an outstanding impression of the Trust. Seeing my enthusiasm for the work, Adelina encouraged me to apply to the Trust as a trainee archaeologist. The rest, as they say, is history!
The Trust has a long established reputation for supporting new careers in archaeology. Strong partnerships with universities have helped students like Aedan and Olivia to realise their passions for archaeological research and work.
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