30th July 2006, 10:02 AM
Against volunteers Dr. Pete?? But you yourself stated earlier on this post that you yourself started in this way :face-huh: Mr. Hosty I believe also entered this profession as an enthusiastic volunteer... As a profession we court the public, through the media (countless TV programs, newspaper ads etc). Many units develop 'public archaeology' sides. OK they make money (but is the only reason?) I would like to think that they are investing in the future - new blood.
We are all fed up of fresh graduates who enter the field thinking they are god's gift, where in reality don't know natual from fill, or a harris matrix from a mattock.....
I agree there is a problem with commericial units taking on board 'volenteers' to replace professional staff. This is quite obviously wrong. However, a sensible ratio could be adopted (say 3 to1), where one professional would be given 3 volunteers to supervise. If after a week anyone of the vols shows no interest/etc then they could be asked to leave. An added bonus from this would be it would give the professional vital 'supervisory' experience - a requirement for them to move up the career ladder.
We are all fed up of fresh graduates who enter the field thinking they are god's gift, where in reality don't know natual from fill, or a harris matrix from a mattock.....
I agree there is a problem with commericial units taking on board 'volenteers' to replace professional staff. This is quite obviously wrong. However, a sensible ratio could be adopted (say 3 to1), where one professional would be given 3 volunteers to supervise. If after a week anyone of the vols shows no interest/etc then they could be asked to leave. An added bonus from this would be it would give the professional vital 'supervisory' experience - a requirement for them to move up the career ladder.