7th December 2005, 09:35 PM
I have been wondering if the recent rises in excavator pay in some recent ads reflect the lack of new grads entering the profession. It got me wondering when the first group of students having to pay fees will be graduating, and whether this has already happened. Whether numbers have dropped as a result of fees, or they are more heavily indebted and have to take more reliable employment to pay off loans. Either would affect the numbers coming into archaeology.
I don't think it is a coincidence that a number of arch departments are now closing. Lack of applicants perhaps?
If any of this is true we are rapidly approaching the situation I endured in Canada. Having to pay huge fees to study something with limited employment potential appealed only to the independently wealthy dilletante or the plain crazy (me).
While I welcome a market led rise in pay for those of us left in the profession, I can't help but feel that we need some new people with serviceable backs. (Cuz mine isn't)
I don't think it is a coincidence that a number of arch departments are now closing. Lack of applicants perhaps?
If any of this is true we are rapidly approaching the situation I endured in Canada. Having to pay huge fees to study something with limited employment potential appealed only to the independently wealthy dilletante or the plain crazy (me).
While I welcome a market led rise in pay for those of us left in the profession, I can't help but feel that we need some new people with serviceable backs. (Cuz mine isn't)