Q: how many archaeologists does it take to ruin an industry?

[moreno]

I would assume that most of the cost should be borne by the 'employer' as it is in pretty much every other 'industry' or profession. Even then they still expect the recipient and beneficiary of the training to stump up for some of it.

Yes, someting taken for granted in other professions. Aye, I would expect to. I am aware of some instances where an employer has provided sufficient funds for training with a proviso that the recipient agrees to remain employed with the company for a specified time.

[P Prentice]

you lot seem to be saying what the ifa has been saying about training and professional development for ages. since you are posting on this thread i choose to summise that you all think that the industry would be better if contractors, county mounties and consultants were ro's and pirate practises were exiled to the amateur league and units noddy land. well i never would have believed it - shame on you

[moreno]

you lot seem to be saying what the ifa has been saying about training and professional development for ages. since you are posting on this thread i choose to summise that you all think that the industry would be better if contractors, county mounties and consultants were ro's and pirate practises were exiled to the amateur league and units noddy land. well i never would have believed it - shame on you

Uhm...I'm suggesting nothing of the sort. If I'm suggesting anything it's seeking a viable way to provide entry level skills and training for whomever wishes to engage in it, positively affirming rather than ruinous.:face-approve:

[P Prentice]

It's been quite clear from some 'DBAs' that I've seen recently that some organisations producing them don't include any staff who know what one should consist of (ie perhaps just a little bit more than straight regurgitation of the local HER entries, maybe a teeny bit of interpretation, and an understanding that large earthwork complexes occasionally take up more landscape than the HER spot would suggest...), which might make in-house training tricky?? :face-stir:

or is that in this cut throat world of diminishing returns, competiton equals ever lower quality and ever lower care?

[Unitof1]

It's been quite clear from some 'DBAs' that I've seen recently that some organisations producing them don't include any staff who know what one should consist of

were you using them to bid for work?

[moreno]

Examples of the negative impact the lack of training has and can have are easy to come by. I’m well aware of it. But to insinuate this is somehow the fault of universities is a bit disingenuous and an oversimplification of the issues. Taking a degree teaches critical thinking, coherent writing, and research skills. Surely these are valued and transferable skills into the commercial industry?

A properly trained work force certainly would improve upon those issues posters have highlighted. Again, to whom does this onus fall upon for developing the necessary skills of “their” work force?

[Wax]

I think individuals also need to take responsibility for their own training. If you want to get on in any profession you have to invest in yourself and not wait for things to be handed to you on a plate. There are plenty of imaginative ways of doing this many of which require time rather than money.

[Kel]

Examples of the negative impact the lack of training has and can have are easy to come by. I’m well aware of it. But to insinuate this is somehow the fault of universities is a bit disingenuous and an oversimplification of the issues. Taking a degree teaches critical thinking, coherent writing, and research skills. Surely these are valued and transferable skills into the commercial industry?

I can only agree - yet again. No other industry expects fresh graduates to arrive fully trained and equipped to do a job. Even the most rigorous vocational degrees (medical, legal etc.) insist on a lengthy period of on-the-job training and mentoring, before a new entrant is ready to work with minimal supervision as a fully-fledged professional. Why is archaeology different?

[moreno]

I think individuals also need to take responsibility for their own training. If you want to get on in any profession you have to invest in yourself and not wait for things to be handed to you on a plate. There are plenty of imaginative ways of doing this many of which require time rather than money.

No doubt, as mentioned in #91. :face-approve:

[deadlylampshade]

I can only agree - yet again. No other industry expects fresh graduates to arrive fully trained and equipped to do a job. Even the most rigorous vocational degrees (medical, legal etc.) insist on a lengthy period of on-the-job training and mentoring, before a new entrant is ready to work with minimal supervision as a fully-fledged professional. Why is archaeology different?

Does the industry expect this of Graduates?

Or do Graduates think that because they have a degree they are already professional archaeologists and do not believe they need any further training? Fast track promotion and unrealistic pay expectations is my experience.