Is archaeology using interns and is this and acceptable practice?

[P Prentice]

I've been following this thread with some interest, so decided to finally register and attempt to contribute.

I recently spotted a large commercial unit offering 'volunteer opportunities' as part of their commitment to 'widening access to heritage and archaeology'. This can include site work, but only non-skilled work 'including shovelling, barrowing and hoeing'' unless the PO feels sorry for you and throws you a posthole now and again.
To work on an excavation you would need to provide your own waterproofs and safety boots, although a viz vest and trowel are given to you on loan after a tenner deposit is dutifully handed over. Accomodation? Afraid not, but there are 'hotels, B&Bs and campsites close to our.........office and most excavation sites'. Hotels?? Oh and transport to/from site? Forget it.

Public outreach is very important, but is it simply being used as an excuse to use unpaid labour on developer-funded projects? It's not simply about involving local communities, the unit clearly states 'We have provided opportunities for local, national and international volunteers.' It's also not a recent development, this unit appears to have been taking on volunteers in these roles since at least 2008.

Apologies if it's old news to anyone, but I couldn't believe the cheek when I saw it out there in the open!

this is nothing new - units of more than one, particulalrly local authority units, have been offering such opportunities for donkeys (years). sometimes a good way to get into uni, sometimes a good way to get a job.