In 2024 The Council for British Archaeology and CIfA’s Early Careers Special Interest Group ran an online conference for early career archaeologists and heritage specialists to share their interests and research. The conference was delivered during Youth Day sponsored by the Royal Archaeological Institute as part of the CBA Festival of Archaeology.
Speaker: Tabby Gulliver Lawrence
Blurb: This pre-recorded lecture will detail my experiences so far as an apprentice completing a masters and apprenticeship at the Colchester Archaeological Trust in Essex, England. This MA and apprenticeship are one of several Historic Environment Trail Blazer pathways as created by Historic Egland. This specific pathway is the ‘Archaeological Specialist Level 7’ pathway run by the UWTSD and my current employer. Colchester Archaeological Trust is one of the UK’s oldest commercial units and holds a unique and steadfast reputation within the commercial sector. It has been responsible for several significant discoveries within Roman archaeology, including the excavation of the UK’s only known Roman circus, the Boudiccan Destruction Layer and the Stanway Doctor’s Grave.
In my talk I aim to discuss the real-life experiences of being an apprentice in our current climate, highlighting the positives, the negatives and my future steps within the heritage sector. Drawing on personal experiences, I aim to demonstrate how effective management, clear communication and career development can be successful. Given recent developments within organisations such as CIfA, the cost of living crisis and the construction industry, I hope to focus on the collaboration between my employer and myself for a successful apprenticeship.