Archaeological technician
Level 3 · AdvancedCreative and design 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An archaeological technician provides practical on-site support during excavations and in post-excavation processing, carrying out tasks such as digging, recording, finds processing, and environmental sampling under the direction of professional archaeologists. Apprentices learn to excavate, record contexts, and handle artefacts and environmental remains following recognised archaeological standards. This role can lead to archaeological supervisor, site assistant, or specialist technician positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Archaeological excavation techniques and safe digging practice
Context recording using written, drawn, and photographic methods
Artefact handling, cleaning, marking, and basic identification
Environmental sampling methods including bulk and flotation samples
Understanding of stratigraphy and the Harris Matrix recording system
Health and safety on an archaeological site
Post-excavation finds processing and storage to professional standards
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Excavate features and deposits by hand using trowels and other tools
Record contexts accurately on context sheets and planning sheets
Draw and photograph features and finds in situ on site
Process and label finds including pottery, bone, and metalwork
Take environmental samples and assist with wet sieving on site
Assist with surveying and setting out grids on excavation sites
Follow health and safety procedures including shoring and PPE requirements
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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