11th May 2009, 02:28 PM
We need to construct real working partnerships between the universities and commercial industry to establish wider inclusion to the industry outside of established, possibly exploitative relationships.
Every graduate deserves a chance but at the same time take the current economic climate seriously in how they are going to get their foot in the door.
The graduates will no longer be in a position to get help from their former institutions, to any great degree so it may be that a wider and more inclusive approach must be undertaken to maintain openings for future funding sources on the basis of archaeology for all not just those who can afford to live without and those who are in the right place at the right time.
Life is full of barriers and I think the educational industry should be much more interested in developing broad based research and training excavations.
The Stonehenge Riverside Project last year involved a great many students and universities. They are to develop training opportunities even for those whom have considerable experience, but also the social networks for the students that they can build up will enable a much more inclusive network for their future needs on the circuit for jobs and such.
However these will be fine lines with funding fodder, and socialite networking hubs of exclusivity.
The different approaches to participation will mark the next stage of how the educational system shall approach and treat their responsibility to teaching the future of the industry and developing those that maintain the present, for that future.
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Mike