14th May 2010, 09:54 AM
BAJR Wrote:[*]Relationships between voluntary archaeologists and the c 7500 professional archaeologists in the UK are mostly good, but some problems can be identified. Thus there is a case for more training for professional archaeologists to equip them better to work with and support volunteers.
[*]There is a need for training, but this varies from area to area, and from group to group. Hence any training programmes must be tailored to specific regions or groups, and must have an emphasis on practical rather than passive sessions. Increased use of online learning models will enable learners to choose material appropriate to their needs. However, online provision cannot substitute for face-to-face interaction, which is still considered to be of most value.
I haven't had time to read the full report yet (too busy trying to remain financially solvent) but these two sections do strike me as a bit of a slap in the face for professional archaeologists, especially as I would imagine that a large proportion of the c7500 have had very little contact with volunteers, at least through work. Given the lack of training opportunities in commercial archaeology anyway I wouldn't see training in inter-personal community and outreach archaeology as have as high a priority as basic site skills, H&S, report writing etc etc. It strikes me that you are more likely to be able to learn such skills, in a funded environment, as a volunteer, which is surely a bit backwards? If someone asked me how to learn about field techbiques (even if they had an offer of a job in commercial archaeology) I'd probably suggest that they volunteered on an HLF funded project because training would be more likely and better organised.