The Egypt Centre offers exciting adult work placement opportunities for those seeking valuable hands-on experience in a museum environment. These placements provide a unique chance to work alongside experienced museum professionals, gaining insights into various aspects of museum operations, from collection care to public engagement. Whether you’re a recent graduate, considering a career switch, or simply passionate about ancient Egypt, our work placements can be a stepping stone towards your future goals.
What is a Work Placement?
A work placement at the Egypt Centre is ideal for adults seeking a career in heritage or those looking to gain practical customer service skills. Trainee teachers can also benefit from this experience. Placements involve hands-on museum work, including gallery supervision, visitor interaction, and activity delivery. You’ll learn about preventative conservation and support volunteers with school groups. If you’re here for over a month, you might lead educational activities. You’ll also learn museum opening and closing procedures and gallery setup.
Trainee teachers must complete the equivalent of 60 hours of training before they can lead educational activities. However, while here, they can gain experience in leading museum educational activities, developing and implementing their own educational programs, and learning how to deliver practical key skills within the national Welsh curriculum.
When Can I Do My Placement and for How Long?
Placements run year-round and can last from 1 week to a year. The minimum commitment for our work placement scheme is the equivalent of 5 full working days. Most placements occur during the week, Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 am–4 pm. All placements require a full week’s commitment, including Saturdays. You can also split your placement, such as doing 1 day per week for a year, as long as you commit to some Saturdays. If you want to split your time, contact the Museum Volunteer Manager to discuss your individual needs. For working week placements, simply indicate your desired dates on the application form.
Are There Any Restrictions?
Yes. All potential volunteers need to have two satisfactory references and a DBS check. This is because we work extensively with vulnerable groups. These must be received and satisfactory before you start. All new volunteers also have an induction period when they start, which lasts a minimum of 20 hours. We specialise in working with people of all abilities. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please discuss them with the Volunteer Manager.
How Do I Get Involved?
Simply complete the application form and post it to the Museum Volunteer Manager. They will acknowledge your application and begin processing it by requesting your references. Please follow all subsequent instructions to apply for a DBS check, which will be sent to your home address. Once you have received the DBS, contact the Museum Volunteer Manager. If your references have been returned, they will arrange an induction date.
If you would like to receive more information on volunteering at the Egypt Centre please contact the Museum Volunteer Manager:
Syd Howells
Volunteer Manager
The Egypt Centre: Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
Swansea University
Swansea
SA2 8PP
Tel: (01792) 606065
Email: l.s.j.howells@swansea.ac.uk