Work Experience Opportunities
Under 16 years of age
The Historic Environment Service (HES) does not take work experience students under the age of 16. This is primarily a health and safety issue as many of the places archaeologists may visit, such as excavation sites, large scale developments and old buildings are potentially hazardous. It is possible however that a visit by a member of the department's staff to a school can be arranged. This would normally be undertaken during school hours.
In addition it may also be possible to arrange a group visit to an archaeological site or historic building, where a trained member of staff would be on hand to guide and answer questions. Past school visits have included the excavations on the Roman town of Shepton Mallet and St Margaret's Almhouses, Taunton.
Further opportunities for under 16 year olds to experience archaeology at first hand may also be found at the County Council's ´Peat Moors Visiter Centre´, The Charterhouse Centre, on the Mendip Hills or through the local Young Archaeologists´ Clubs.
16 Year olds and over.
Fieldwork Experience
Every year the HES undertakes a two week training excavation,usually in July. For the past two years the dig has been in conjunction Kings Alfred's College Winchester. It is an ideal opportunity to gain practical digging experience and get either very wet, sunburnt, or both!
Training dig 2004-a very wet day! (Photo Copyright Pat Buck 2004)
Talks and visits may also be available to 'A' level and University level students.
Work Placement
The department may also, from time to time, take on a university level student for a work placement. The student should be undertaking a qualification in Archaeology, Building Conservation, Architectural History or a related discipline. The placement would normally be of at least a month's duration with the placement student joining the team full time and working in the office and/or on site on a variety of tasks. Previous students placements have included a Bradford Student for six months and Bristol students for one month.
For further information on any of the above or to arrange a talk or visit please contact:
Talya Bagwell
HIstoric Environment Service
C4
County Hall
Taunton
TA1 4DY
Tel: 01823355693
Email: tsbagwell@somerset.gov.uk
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