The work on occupational standards for the ATF has shown that in archaeology, unlike most other professions, there is no overall skills mix that is 'typical'. There is no common or core group of competencies that we could say is essential for everyone entering the profession. Archaeologists working in different parts of the sector have very different roles and often perform only a few activities in common. Grasping this has been an important step forward in envisioning solutions that can encompass the whole discipline within a shared framework for archaeological practice.
Because of this, we have developed a structure that uses a modular approach. It groups the standards units into 'modules' that reflect familiar areas of work in archaeological practice. This provides a framework that can be used both for defining professional qualification and continuing professional development (cpd), and for defining work roles.The diagram below illustrates the way that the modular structure works across the three main areas in which archaeologists work. Onto this are mapped the groups of standards or modules that are relevant to particular work roles.
Diagram ilustrating the way in which the new structure could align with the current spectrum of archaeological emplyment. Research shows that about 60% of the profession is employed in field investigation and research - this includes people working in archaeological units and societies, universities, as specialist consultants and researchers. About a third of the sector is employed in roles that are primarily concerned with providing advice and information, with 'managing' the historic environment, in local authorities, heritage organisations, national agencies and private consultancies. Just under 10% of archaeologists work in museums, visitor and community services, managing sites and collections, interpreting and presenting archaeology for the public.
Click on image for larger version, 41kb.
Click here for diagram in PDF format, 21kb
To see how your own role or job fits into this picture, you need to think first about where you work in archaeology. While some people tend to work in one part of the sector, many jobs and organisations span across more than one. Then think about the modules that would be relevant in a particular job or area of work - some examples are illustrated below to show how the new structure can work. For most archaeologists, three or four groups of units or modules will cover the main elements of their work.The structure has to be flexible to accommodate the range of archaeological occupations. Individuals will be able to select, from a range of relevant options, the combination that will be the best fit for their particular role. A small group of 'core' competences, common to most work roles, include basic requirements like the ability to research and analyse information or to contribute towards health and safety in the workplace.
| Core Skills | Role | Relevant Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Research and analyse information Contribute to health and safety Manage and develop yourself |
Archaeologist responsible for planning and implementing projects in the field | Evaluate and plan projects |
| Carry out site investigations | ||
| Manage teams | ||
| Archaeologist responsible for managing a local authority Sites and Monuments Record | Develop and implement systems and procedures for recording information | |
| Record information and make it available to others | ||
| Contribute to interpretive, learning and promotional activities | ||
| Archaeologist responsible for managing collections, their interpretation and presentation for the public | Handle and store items | |
| Manage collections | ||
| Contribute to interpretive, learning and promotional activities |
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Today's date: 8/9/2008
This page last updated:
30/4/2007 11:54
