How the trust supports trainees CAT’s training programme for Trainee Archaeologists has been running for just over two years. During this time, fourteen young people, with various levels of previous archaeological knowledge but consistent in their enthusiasm and desire to learn, have been successfully trained to the level of Field Archaeologist. The majority are still with us and collectively they now form an important and dynamic component of CAT’s professional excavation team. Our training programme has been assessed and approved by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, which means on completion the successful trainees are at the industry-recognised level of Practitioner (PCIfA). The training lasts for twelve weeks and includes a mix of formal instruction and practical experience, primarily delivered on-site by Senior Archaeologists and Project Officers. This unique opportunity to learn from experienced CAT staff on real commercial sites is central to our training concept, having been designed to best prepare these new employees for the challenges of modern commercial archaeology. Professional archaeologists need to have the skills and knowledge to interpret, excavate and evaluate
Everyone at the Trust is lovely and has made me feel so welcome! They have provided good training and support, and I believe that this is a very exciting opportunity for anyone looking to start a career in this line of work. If you can take anything away from my experience, it would be: get in touch with the Trust, look on BAJR for openings/opportunities in the field, and go on as many volunteer digs as you can!
Olivia Trainee archaeologist I ’ve had an interest in history from a young age, particularly in ancient history, although I had a limited understanding about archaeology until I went to college. This was where the archaeological world and all its ground breaking work first opened up to me. I decided to enrol on a combined honours degree of archaeology and history at Canterbury Christ Church University. At university I spent eight weeks in the field, which really showed me how enjoyable and rewarding field archaeology could be. CCCU taught me how to
excavate and process finds which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was this work that persuaded me to apply to CAT for a trainee position. My experiences in fieldwork at CCCU also encouraged me to further my interests within archaeology such as osteoarchaeology, burials, and Roman and Greek artefacts. I am now studying an MA on the archaeology/history of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds at the University of Kent alongside my role at CAT. My work at CAT has really offered me the chance to work in a field archaeological role
remains against the often dynamic background of a modern commercial development. Fortunately for CAT, our existing teams have the ability to do this and, of vital importance for the long-term future
and gain further knowledge and experience. The trainee programme of which I’m part offers the opportunity to gain all the necessary skills, and more, to become a field archaeologist. The team at CAT are very helpful and great to work with, and I’m really enjoying my time here. The world of commercial archaeology is a massive learning curve and my ambition is to project manage, as well as work with artefacts.
of the organisation, the experience and willingness to pass their knowledge on to the next generation.
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