Archaeological Technician Apprenticeship
Archaeological Services WYAS
Leeds (LS27 7JQ)
Closes in 7 days (Saturday 6 June 2026)
Posted on 29 May 2026
Contents
Summary
To contribute to archaeological field investigations by excavating, recording, and interpreting archaeological features, collecting artefacts and environmental samples and processing finds, materials, and data, including geophysical survey data. Ideal for those starting or changing careers, leading to qualification as a field archaeologist.
- Wage
-
£15,392 to £24,454.04, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Archaeological technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Site hours Monday - Thursday 8.00am - 4.00pm and Friday 8.00am - 3.30pm. More flexibility of hours in the office but core hours do apply.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 3 August 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 3 months
- Positions available
-
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
1. To identify archaeological features and deposits and carry out excavation using appropriate method and tools.
2. To record features / deposits to standardised system including description, measurement and interpretation.
3. To record through measured drawing, photography and digital survey archaeological deposits.
4. To handle and collect bulk artefacts and samples, with correct care and labelling.
5. To process bulk artefacts and samples.
6. To undertake geophysical surveys including the downloading and checking of survey data.
Where you'll work
Nepshaw Lane South
Gildersome, Morley
Leeds
LS27 7JQ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CIRENCESTER COLLEGE
Training course
Archaeological technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Apply an awareness of professional judgement and ethical behaviour.
- Research and assimilate appropriate background information, including that from project specific Written Schemes of Investigation, archaeological archives and reports, aerial photographic collections, LiDAR data, and geophysical and topographic surveys and local and national listings.
- Catalogue data recovered from archaeological excavations, including environmental and geological samples, artefacts and ecofacts.
- Maintain their own safety, and that of others, by adhering to all applicable Health and Safety rules, policies and procedures.
- Recognise and report risks in order to reduce the risk of incidents.
- Conduct work in line with Employer’s and industry procedures and standards, specifically the CIfA Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Excavation, Watching Brief, Evaluation and Archives.
- Establish the requirements upon them for forthcoming projects, including timescales, deadlines, work locations and supervisors.
- Estimate resources and select appropriate equipment, including hand tools, survey, recording and measuring equipment, and artefact sampling, collection packaging, labelling and processing equipment.
- Investigate and understand archaeological sites and heritage assets.
- Recognise and be able to appropriately package and preserve fragile material evidence of past communities.
- Compile catalogues and databases of archaeological context records, samples and finds.
- Contribute to the preparation of archaeological site archives and materials for museum deposition.
- Carry out work both indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions, all year round.
- Identify information required to achieve research objectives, for instance reference to project specific Written Schemes of Investigation for archaeological strategies, and to appropriate published regional, period or subject research agendas.
- Follow correct procedures to access and use information, including Employer’s technical manuals, GIS systems and databases.
- Validate/evaluate accuracy of information, including proof reading of data entry and reports.
- Categorise and classify data appropriately, including creation of databases and stratigraphic matrices for archaeological excavations.
- Present and report data using field records in appropriate form for various audiences, including plans, sections, pro-forma context recording sheets and databases.
- Contribute to advances in the body of knowledge and Historic Environment Practice.
- Commit to continuous improvement and personal development.
Training schedule
Whilst most of the training will take place with the employer, you will be required to attend college classes remotely, on Teams every Friday during term time.
You may also have the opportunity to attend a field trip with the college during your apprenticeship.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
Desirable qualifications
A Level in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Physical fitness
- Ability to multi-task
Other requirements
Candidates must be willing to work in rural locations, away from home, living in shared accommodation (note you will have your own room). A subsistence payment of £26.86 per night will be given to contribute to food etc. The role is physically demanding, using tools to manually excavate potentially large archaeological features, so candidates need to be physically able. Necessary tools, equipment and PPE will be provided. Interviews will take place in mid-late June 2026. No previous skills or experience in archaeology are required, making this ideal for career changers, but an enthusiasm for the subject is essential. A valid Driving Licence may be helpful but is not essential.
About this employer
Archaeological Services WYAS is a commercial company based in Morley, Leeds that offers commercial archaeological services to the local authorities, national bodies and developers. We produce desk-based assessments, and undertake geophysical surveys, watching briefs, trial trenching, excavations and building recording surveys. We employ around 40 enthusiastic people who care about their historic environment and strive to offer a professional service to our customers.
https://www.wyjs.org.uk/archaeological-services/ (opens in new tab)
After this apprenticeship
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, candidates will be offered a full-time contract as a Fieldwork Archaeologist with ASWYAS (assuming that the work is available).
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
Archaeological Services WYAS
Jane Richardson
jane.richardson@aswyas.com
0113 535 3179
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000033689.
Apply now
Closes in 7 days (Saturday 6 June 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.