Apprentice Trainee Archaeological Officer
Archaeological Research Services Ltd
Recruiting nationally
Closes in 21 days (Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 9 June 2026
Contents
Summary
Are you looking to kickstart your career in archaeology? Our structured apprenticeship programme aims to produce safe, competent and effective archaeologists able to undertake routine archaeological work to a professional standard.
- Wage
-
£24,800 a year
- Training course
- Archaeological technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Apprenticeship duration is 1 year, plus any assessment periods.
Office working hours 9.00am - 5.00pm.
Site hours are typically 8.00am - 4.00pm, with occasional overtime pre-agreed for some projects.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 10 August 2026
- Duration
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1 year 3 months
- Positions available
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3
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
Are you looking to kickstart your career in archaeology? Our structured apprenticeship programme aims to produce safe, competent and effective archaeologists able to undertake routine archaeological work to a professional standard, with a view to them progressing to an Archaeological Officer position on successful completion of their training. Apprentices are guided through on-the-job learning and mentoring, developing skills in fieldwork, surveying, post-excavation and health and safety and a structured baseline knowledge base of British archaeology. We are a high performing company with a professional yet friendly culture with many outstanding employees. We maintain a sector leading commitment to staff development and training which we require to be reciprocated, and look forward to supporting career progression and developing people to be the best they can be.
To carry out a wide variety of project-related work, and undertake on-the job-training in:
- Conducting and completing fieldwork, including watching briefs, evaluation trenching, small- to large-scale excavations and other field methods as appropriate
- Recording, including context sheets, photography, section drawings and plans, GPS surveying
- Undertake as required sample taking and processing
- Contribute to post-excavation work, undertake digitising, finds processing, archives etc.
- Assist with administrative, clerical and general office duties that may arise as required
- Take part in training, staff and personal development initiatives/coaching, driving your own personal and professional development
- Further the company’s vision, mission and core values
- Demonstrate professional behaviour in the workplace and abide by CIfA’s Standards and Guidance and Code of Conduct
You will be based out of one our offices in Bakewell, Sheffield, Tyneside, Manchester or Bedford. We particularly welcome applications from those based in the Gloucestershire area. Fieldwork can be UK-wide, and accommodation and subsistence are provided for overnight stays, and travel is either via company vehicle or private vehicle with travel costs reimbursed by the Company, excepting the commute to your allocated office, in line with HMRC requirements.
A full UK driving licence is essential and access to a personal vehicle is highly desirable.
Where you'll work
You will be based out of one our offices in Bakewell, Sheffield, Tyneside, Manchester, Cheltenham or Bedford. We particularly welcome applications from those based in the Gloucestershire area.
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
- Cirencester College
- Archaeological Technician Level 3
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade C / 4)
- Maths (grade C / 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
- Have an interest or have studied History or Geography and have a strong demonstratable interest in archaeology
- Fieldwork will include away projects, with accommodation, subsistence and travel provided. Fieldwork can be in rural locations and involves outdoor physical work all year round
- Occasional travel on Sundays may be required for projects that are a considerable distance from home
- When assigned to office-based work, you will be required to commute daily to your base office
- Cirencester College reserves the right to close this vacancy before the stated deadline once sufficient applications have been received
About this employer
Archaeological Research Services Ltd is an experienced commercial practice providing a full range of archaeological and heritage services. We operate throughout the UK from our network of offices and we welcome opportunities to work abroad. From preliminary advice and assessments to high level consultancy, fieldwork, post-excavation analysis and dissemination, our approach is committed to providing successful outcomes by way of tailor-made solutions geared to the strategic needs of our clients.
We are an efficient organisation committed to investment in our staff, equipment and technology. We develop skilled, hard-working and motivated staff who take pride in their work, find truly innovative solutions and create value for our clients.
http://www.archaeologicalresearchservices.com (opens in new tab)
After this apprenticeship
- Following successful completion of the apprenticeship and probation period, there will be an opportunity to continue employment in the role of Archaeological Officer, dependent on performance
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CIRENCESTER COLLEGE
Amber Robinson
personnel@archaeologicalresearchservices.com
01629 814540
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000035933.
Apply now
Closes in 21 days (Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 11:59pm)