The next question: recording

[P Prentice]

From what I've seen on here and on site, there are a number of what you like to call archaeologists who know naff-all compared to some of the diggers I've met. Having qualifications, 'logging their skills' (whatever that is supposed to mean in the real world), and getting paid more is absolutely no guarantee that someone knows what they're talking about.

you are probably mistaken - i rarely call anyone 'archaeologist'. it is not a distinction of qualification but application

[Tool]

Sorry, I must have misread

so let us make a distinction between diggers (who merely dig) and archaeologists (who do archaeology). archaeologists have qualifications, do cpd, log their skills and have them validated, produce written evidence that they know what they are talking about, are licenced and are paid more for their skills - than diggers.

as making a distinction. My mistake.

[P Prentice]

i probably should have said - it is not a distinction soley based on qualification.... but qualification is a necessary step towards chartered archaeologist

[Tool]

i probably should have said - it is not a distinction soley based on qualification.... but qualification is a necessary step towards chartered archaeologist

But I can't see the point of being chartered. In some respects it could even reinforce the culture of 'I have a piece of paper/letters after my name so therefore I must be right' that seems to rear it's ugly head from time to time. I wish in a way I had the money to do an archaeology degree, just to see what is being taught. Although I suspect arguments would ensue... }

[P Prentice]

But I can't see the point of being chartered. In some respects it could even reinforce the culture of 'I have a piece of paper/letters after my name so therefore I must be right' that seems to rear it's ugly head from time to time.

no you probably cant - but you might one day

[Tool]

no you probably cant - but you might one day

I hope not. I'd rather be taken on what I do, not on letters after my name. I guess you've heard of the classic logical fallacy, argument from authority?

[kevin wooldridge]

I hope not. I'd rather be taken on what I do, not on letters after my name

It would be good therefore if your continuing professional development could be registered in some way. otherwise when you move on to your next employment you are nothing more than just another shovelbum with dirt beneath their fingernails....

[Tool]

It would be good therefore if your continuing professional development could be registered in some way. otherwise when you move on to your next employment you are nothing more than just another shovelbum with dirt beneath their fingernails....

I certainly don't have a problem with what amounts to a recognised pay-scale, but we already have one of them, don't we? What I do have a problem with is the concept that a) having a qualification which is mostly theory based (and sometimes dubious theory at that) necessarily equates to knowing what is what in the practical world of field archaeology and b) that being registered with some body/institution or whatever is a guarantee of competence, honesty or integrity. It isn't, because the institution itself may be out of touch with reality or working to flawed principles, and it ain't difficult to fool the system if you are so inclined.

[kevin wooldridge]

...What I do have a problem with is the concept that a) having a qualification which is mostly theory based (and sometimes dubious theory at that) necessarily equates to knowing what is what in the practical world of field archaeology and b) that being registered with some body/institution or whatever is a guarantee of competence, honesty or integrity. It isn't, because the institution itself may be out of touch with reality or working to flawed principles, and it ain't difficult to fool the system if you are so inclined.

I wasn't actually suggesting that you need an academic qualification (although in the real world I think it is worth considering), but merely that your professional development is registered in some way. BAJRs Skills passport being one way of doing it, if the scheme can gain the approval of employers as a testament of your skills....IfA CPD log is another way especially amongst employers who are registered organisations. It doesn't happen yet, but don't discount the possibility further down the line (especially when they gain Chartered status) that CPD will mean something when it comes to getting a job. And to a greater or lesser degree, both academic and practical skills will mean something in that assessment...

[Tool]

After a bit of searching did find info on the BAJR Skills Passport, so now understand what it's about. Looks to be a good idea. But don't most companies offer that kind of thing anyway?