13th July 2014, 10:09 PM
How come other countries can clearly define who can and cannot practice as an archaeologist? What we need is some sort of on the job accreditation, BAJR's skills passport?
In a previous incarnation in another profession I received a six months practical course with on the job training I was then expected to reach a measurable level of proficientcy within 18 months or be asked to review my suitability for the job. It was my line managers direct responsibility to mentor me and mark my work, this was in his job description. When I left and took an archaeology degree I was ten years working as an archaeologist in a variety of roles for several organisations before I sat down with a line manager for a PDR!!!!!! Ten years of being responsible for my own training and career development no wonder there is a skills shortage and the youngsters get out. Archaeological organisations need to take direct responsibility for training the next generation. Other professions manage it so why can'nt we. Oh I forgot it costs money, and companies have to under cut each other to survive. As long as that attitude persists we are sc.....
In a previous incarnation in another profession I received a six months practical course with on the job training I was then expected to reach a measurable level of proficientcy within 18 months or be asked to review my suitability for the job. It was my line managers direct responsibility to mentor me and mark my work, this was in his job description. When I left and took an archaeology degree I was ten years working as an archaeologist in a variety of roles for several organisations before I sat down with a line manager for a PDR!!!!!! Ten years of being responsible for my own training and career development no wonder there is a skills shortage and the youngsters get out. Archaeological organisations need to take direct responsibility for training the next generation. Other professions manage it so why can'nt we. Oh I forgot it costs money, and companies have to under cut each other to survive. As long as that attitude persists we are sc.....