5th November 2010, 08:52 PM
Herne Wrote:As has perhaps emerged from this thread it should be acknowledged as a joint responsibility. Universities should have the capacity to ensure a significant vocational element forms part of the degree whilst commercial archaeology should embrace the need to provide field skills training to build on the basic grounding ideally provided at an undergrad level.
Perhaps addressing the shortfall in dig skills may be achieved through adult continuing education? There have been cuts to CE departments. Perhaps resurrecting CE departments (some even) to provide a venue for offering vocational training in commercial archaeology would be an option. The course would be supported by enrolment. If affordable, I have no doubt there would be no shortage of enrolment. It would be a practical way for archaeology undergrads/grads to learn the skills needed to obtain first time employment. If this option proved viable, then it could be widened to incorporate other skill modules commensurate to other archaeology professionals. Obviously the course would need vetting, and a stamp of approval by (insert relevant acronym). The topic was raised at the most recent dig forum meeting held in London. It seemed well received after a discussion relating to affordability and practicality facets (assessors, assessment, and availability) regarding the IFA?s proposal: http://www.archaeologists.net/learning/nvq
Also, see the CBA in the article ?Engaging with the Historic Environment: Continuing Education? supporting the points you raised. Now, what do we do with the information and put that information into action? Perhaps CE is an option to a way forward?
http://www.britarch.ac.uk/sites/festival...%201.0.pdf
Contributing to Wax's post (# 27), I would agree that for many of us we have to seek out our own training and "own" our professional development. I know there is information available:
http://www.archaeologists.net/atf
http://www.britarch.ac.uk/training/
[FONT="]http://www.torc.org.uk/[/FONT]
Geez, I must find something other to occupy my Friday nights....