Towards fortune and glory: Using the tools we’ve got, to build the careers we want
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2015-08-12

Bill Moffat, Wessex Archaeology

This paper looks at the development of professional practice and career structure using the National Occupational Standards. Archaeologists do not enjoy the same standards of professional training as surveyors, architects and planners or site agents, engineers and plant operators (IfA, 2014). All of these are, or can become, members of chartered institutions with well specified career pathways (CITB, 2014). 

In order to capitalise on our own institute’s chartership and to develop as chartered archaeologists we must do the same. The mechanisms exist. The NOS provide a framework which have been used in skills audits (IFA, 2004), matched to job descriptions (IFA, 2004)and used to specify training courses (Cotswold Archaeology, 2014). To date, the focus has been on early career training within the current career model. This paper will show that the NOS can be used strategically, that they provide a model for whole career training and can form the spine of varied, resilient and adaptable structured learning leading to individual chartership, and beyond.
The paper looks at the structures of the RIBA, RICS/CIOB, RTPI, and ICE /IStructE and cross matches them to the career pathways developed by the CITB. Using these models, it shows how the NOS can generate a career matrix for archaeologists using the current entry model and reverse engineers a future archaeological career track providing a vocational entry option.

The paper concludes with an assessment of the effects of the model on competitive advantage and profitability. Personal development is a key element of resilient quality management (ISO, 2012) and encourages self-actualisation (Maslow, 1943), which leads to improved staff turnover. These elements maintain productivity and reduce the costs of goods sold. At a very simple level, a more professionally skilled sector has more self-respect, which commands community respect. And higher fees.