Introducing ASE’s new archaeological technician apprentices!

Ryan and Raffi started their year’s apprenticeship at ASE in January, which involves four days working, one day studying with Cirencester College each week. They're both undertaking the Archaeological Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship, which provides an entry-level route into field archaeology.

We caught up with Ryan at the very start of his placement – what was he most looking forward to over the next 12 months? “I'm looking forward to developing my understanding of the peoples that once inhabited Britain. While I have been engaging with archaeological features and ancient landscape in my photographic practice, the apprenticeship will enable me to better understand the more habitual aspects of ancient cultures.”

Our apprentices have now been out on site for a month, so how is Raffi feeling about the apprenticeship so far? “I'm so happy to be a part of the team at ASE; I've already had the chance to develop new skills and have really enjoyed enriching my knowledge. Having engaged with archaeology throughout my creative art practice, it is so exciting to now be on site learning and experiencing it first-hand!”

Raffi and Ryan are the first cohort in a new apprenticeship initiative at ASE. Louise Rayner, ASE’s director, said “I’m delighted we’ve been able to welcome new recruits to ASE through this route for the first time. We're very grateful to have been supported throughout this process by UCL Apprenticeship Manager Uzma Sadiq, helping us to adapt and re-think approaches. We’ve learnt a great deal about how apprenticeships work already and are excited to continue this journey with Ryan and Raffi. As much as we’ll be training them, I know they’ll bring fresh perspective to ASE too.”

We’ll be keeping up to date with our apprentices throughout the year, and wish them luck as they embark on their archaeological journeys!