Skills for the Future
In 2011, RCAHMS became one of the first organisations in Scotland to host a year-long heritage skills programme supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
The ‘Skills for the Future’ programme aims to give trainees invaluable practical experience in the heritage industry to help them get jobs in archives, museums and galleries in the future – helping to meet the skills gaps identified by heritage bodies throughout the UK.
Their work at RCAHMS includes digitising Second World War aerial photography, curating exhibitions of archive material, and delivering educational activities to school children at locations ranging from castles and museums to country houses. Through placements with partner organisations such as Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland, the trainees are able to experience the variety of work across Scotland’s heritage industry. The programme also involves distance learning modules with the University of Dundee, either focusing on heritage education or archival work.
In May 2012, RCAHMS grant award from the HLF was increased to £898,400, allowing for total trainee numbers to rise from 21 to 34, and for the programme to extend from three years to four. This award was part of a further investment by the HLF in 51 skills projects throughout the UK which, by 2015, will deliver 700 years’ worth of paid training opportunities for people seeking a career in heritage.
Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the HLF, said, “This extra money expands our tailored skills programmes at a time when demand for training opportunities is extraordinarily high. This is good news for the heritage sector which a decade ago feared that many key skills would be lost.”
Rebecca Bailey, RCAHMS Head of Education and Outreach, said "We have had a very strong response to Skills for the Future since it began in 2011. The trainees we have had to date have all been enthusiastic, talented and passionate about developing a career in heritage.”
To find out more about the traineeship follow the links to the Skills for the Future blog and Twitter account.
