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I know this is one of those frustrating comments which may not seem initially helpful but are you sure that the ifa is actually the best organisation to run this scheme? The ifa has very little respect from ordinary diggers and their track record of policing wayward units is questionable at best. It seems that as long as the unit pays its subs nothing else matters!
Would it not be better for there to be an independant vetting system whereby designated people within a unit can put themselves forward to run the scheme? Otherwise wouldnt the person who signed off each skill have to be ifa registered and why should only they be considered appropriate to decide appropriate levels when there are many well qualified and expert archaeologists who have no wish to join the ifa but are fantastic at training staff?
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Although I agree that it would be 'perfect' that everyone was in the IFA... I also agree that to be a vetted Skill trainer the criteria should be based on whether you can do it rather than if you are in one organisation or another...
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
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I am neutral on whether the IFA should run the scheme or not, and I do think that it would have to depend mainly on unit-based 'mentors' or 'training supervisors'(a similar principle applies to most CPD programmes run by other professional institutions, where the trainee is under the supervision of someone at the same firm).
What you do need is a single central body to run the scheme as a whole, to set universal standards for each skill and validate the mentors, and to run an appeals system, otherwise there would be no comparability between one person's 'skills passport' and another's. The IFA are probably best placed to fulfil this role, but if anyone knows of some other organisation both able and likely to be willing to do it, please let me know.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
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What about an educational body that already offers archaeological training courses. I know OUDCL run quite a few but are there others? This would also potentially increase costs for maintaining the system with someone having to pick up the costs of administration. Could there be an independant group that advises on suitable training within or to the IFA?
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Cost is also an issue... would people be happy to pay 5-10 quid a year for maintenance, updates, news, register of trainers, not to forget the actual passport itself as well as the online register?
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
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I think amount is fine your not really gointo miss that from a pay packet.
Have you thought about maybe sounding out a few universities about this scheme? It would be an excellent system to get people started and provide a bit more structure and uniformity to the standards of training excavations and maybe kick start a few careers? :face-huh:
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Good idea ... I will add that to my list!
I agree that training has to start in Uni... not after.
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
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Wicked it seems a good idea that future archaeologists will have some certified method of showing that they learnt something in uni!
Maybe it will even help unis tailor the courses towards providing the skills that students will need when they graduate, and the fact that what is needed is clearly laid out should be a big hint thatwhats on offer now may not exactly be taliored towards the needs of commercial archaeology
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Does anyone know, and has any work been done, on what jobs archaeology students actually go into after completing archaeology degrees? From my single honours undergraduate degree people who went onto become accountants outnumbered the archaeologists 2:1. This was a pure archaeology degree at one of the more established universities more years ago that I care to mention now (but post PPG16).
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Someone I was in college with became a tank commander - Martin Carver's route in reverse.
