Starting Out in British or Irish Archaeology

[Marjolijn]

Hi,
I'm a Belgian archaeologist, I already worked on several excavations in several countries all as a volunteer and I would like to get paid for a change. So I'm planning of moving to Ireland (or maybe England) in the near future to start looking for a job there.
So, if there is anyone who can give me any information, as where to look and what kind of formal things I'll have to complete before being able to start working, that would be very welcome.
Greetz, Marjolijn.

[lucy78green]

IN Ireland you need to do a Safepass before they let you on site, it costs between €90-200 depending on where you do it, if you search hard enough on the Fas website you should be able to find a list of instructors. http://www.fas.ie/ its really boring and aimed at people in the construction trade but they made it law that everyone on construction and roadwork sites has to have it, so even though its got nothing to do with us (apart from one chapter on shoring up trench sides) we still have to do it.

Lucy

[BAJR Host]

The big thing to remember here is that in teh UK you are thrown into a harsh reality of developer led archaeology.... there is a tight budget and a tighter deadline.. no time to spend on carefuly half sectioning every stakehole or spending 5 days excavating a skeleton.. work fast and work under pressure .... OR work fast and find nothing for day after day... week after week... as you stand in front of a JCB digging a pipe trench around a town...

Once you have done 6 months of this work (keep an eye on the jobs board) then you will be ready for anything (or ready for anything other than archaeology!!)

It is a good way to learn though an all you need in teh UK is a proven ability ... then you can go far (well quite far!!)

BAJR

[Marjolijn]

How do you prove your ability? I 've already send some CVs as a respond to the job openings posted on the job board. They all came back negative.
(I've got over 11 months of experience, all work I did as a volunteer.)

[BAJR Host]

I am afraid that it is a chicken and egg situation... you have to work for UK companies to show you can work in the UK... but you may find it difficult to work for UK companies unless you have worked with UK companies.... confused!!

Make it clear to them that you will relocate yourself into the UK and that you have good english... as you have... ;)

However... there are lots of UK people looking for work too.. and they may rather choose people who are local rather than people from further away. I do know of many people who have got jobs though.. the more work that comes up (usually starting in April with the new finacial yer) they need everyone they can get. so the trick is to keep on applying... Good Luck

BAJR

[gav32]

if you want to get paid , have you thought or tried to get work in holland?. There are quiet a few belgian people who work for our company, not so far away as the uk and i am fairly sure the pay will be better!!

[BAJR Host]

now there is an offer ....!! and probably right!