CIfA members have come out in opposition to a proposal by the Department for Education to ‘rebalance’ how it spends the employer training levy, restricting spending on level 7 apprenticeships and putting the much-valued level 7 archaeological specialist master’s degree apprenticeship at risk.
The Institute received many messages of support for level 7 apprenticeships, as CIfA sought the views of its members when adding its voice to a government consultation on these proposed changes. Here is a sample of those views:
"The Heritage Alliance's Skills, Education and Engagement Advocacy Group recognises the importance of having multiple pathways into the sector, and apprenticeships provide an essential 'close to industry' route which benefits both students and employers by dynamically upskilling in business-ready situations. Loss of support for these routes will provide additional challenges for the pre-existing specialist labour shortages in the sector."
Professor Ian Baxter, PCIfA
Chair of The Heritage Alliance's Skills, Education & Engagement Advocacy Group (SEEAG)
“I want to offer my support for keeping the level 7 apprenticeships funded. I am currently undertaking the level 7 archaeological practice pathway with the University of Wales, Trinity St Davids at my company, Colchester Archaeological Trust. I have really enjoyed the course so far and it has given me the opportunity to learn a lot of different skills – and, more importantly, to practise them! I have been able to develop a specialism in lithics under the guidance of my manager and company director.”
Tabitha Gulliver Lawrence, PCIfA
Senior Site Assistant, Colchester Archaeological Trust
“As one a specialist who is drawing near to retirement, I’d like to echo the need for training future generations of archaeological specialists. We need more specialists in the future, so I support all efforts to keep these courses funded.”
Nicky Rogers, MCIfA
Small Finds Specialist
