Training Community Archaeologists for the Future: The Community Archaeology Bursaries Project

Abstract

From time to time, a special issue of this journal will be published which has a specific theme. This issue is one of these, and focuses on the Community Archaeology Bursaries Project (CABP). The project was established as an initiative across the United Kingdom to provide year-long on-the-job training opportunities for aspiring community archaeologists. It was in part inspired by previous work-based bursaries across various archaeological specialisms that were offered by the UK’s Institute for Archaeologists (IfA). However, the CABP was coordinated by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA), a leading UK-wide archaeological charity, in partnership with host organizations across England, Wales, and Scotland. While the project was open to participation from host organizations from Northern Ireland as well, in practice a potential host did not materialize throughout the project’s duration, unfortunately. The whole scheme, running from 2011 to 2014, was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund under their Skills for the Future funding stream, with additional support from English Heritage, Cadw and Historic Scotland — the non-government organizations charged with managing heritage for England, Wales, and Scotland respectively. Papers within this issue reflect upon the successes and challenges of the CABP, as the project itself comes to a close in 2014. In addition to the papers themselves, which represent very different perspectives and experiences in relation to the project, we also welcome a Guest Editorial from the CBA’s Director Mike Heyworth. Tara-Jane Sutcliffe, as the project’s Coordinator, opens the issue with an overview and explanation of the rationale behind the Bursaries Project, including some useful insights into the objectives of the training, and also the trajectories of the trainees. From Surrey County Archaeological Unit, and Mentor to two Community Archaeology Training Placement recipients, Abby Guinness provides a host organization perspective, drawing on views of both former trainees and their subsequent employers. Kevin Grant spent a year with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland for his Community Archaeology Training Placement, here he explains his prior interest in community archaeology and the impact of the traineeship on his career, and reflects on his subsequent work and research. The next paper represents a collaborative effort between trainee, host organization, and community-based group. Samantha Rowe began as a Community Archaeology j. of community arch. and heritage, Vol. 1 No. 2, May, 2014, 103–104