Participating in the Past: Young People

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6.8 Young People

Young Archaeologists’ Club branches, of which there are insufficient numbers, provide valuable out-of-school experience in the world of archaeology, but there is a significant gap in provision for the late-teenage generation. For an increasing number, these years will be a time for moving into further education or of gap-year experience. A proportion will head directly into courses in archaeology at one level or another.

There is no point in being prescriptive about opportunities which might be offered at this stage, but it is a period of life when many will be interested in short-term work in the field, in museums or other institutions. A number of higher-education institutions welcome previous experience gained in this manner. However, the world of archaeology in general, is not effectively geared-up to making use of this potential source of labour and enthusiasm, or if it is, does not advertise the fact very well. This period of late-school/post-school life also provides strong opportunities for increasing provision for black and Asian groups.

  • Recommendation 16: The CBA should continue to seek resources to increase the number of Young Archaeologists’ Club branches throughout the UK.
  • Recommendation 17: Archaeological organisations which do not already do so, should put in place frameworks for accepting work-experience and gap-year placements and publicise opportunities through, for example, the CBA’s website, Current Archaeology, etc.