From: Kenneth Aitchison [mailto:[log in to unmask]]

Sent: 10 June 2003 08:38



The e-conference, "The future of archaeological training and career development: roles and skills in archaeology" is now closed.  From 16 May – 9 June 2003 86 individuals were registered on the conference mailing list, 27 of whom contributed at least one posting to the debate.



The conference came at the end of a consultation period on behalf of the Archaeology Training Forum (ATF) which examined the use and application of the recently developed National Occupational Standards (NOS) in Archaeological Practice.



The development of the NOS have given the archaeological profession the opportunity to create a structure for training and qualification that will gain recognition for our skills and experience, improve conditions of employment and set standards for best practice in archaeological work.



The discussion on Theme A, Structured Training in the Workplace, was vibrant and recognised that structured training in the workplace is and will continue to be valued, whether at entry-level or as CPD (Continuing Professional Development).  The use of NOS as a tool to ensure quality control of both the skills learned and training delivery was recognised and valued.



Theme B, Balancing Occupational Competence and Academic Understanding, provoked reaction against the very idea of separating practical and academic learning in archaeology. When it was made clear that the NOS are mechanisms for describing both knowledge and performance, it was recognised that they could be valid tools for measuring competence in both the academic and vocational senses.  However, it was also recognised that while the universities are the only arenas where some particular research could be undertaken, and thus the only places where the skills involved in that research could be transmitted, they are not always best suited for teaching introductory, practical skills.  This led directly into the discussion of Theme C, Vocational Training in University Taught Courses, where it was recognised that vocational, fieldwork skills should be included universally on undergraduate degrees, and that an understanding of how archaeological evidence was gathered was a crucial element in academic understanding of that data and the conclusions that had been drawn from it.  The debate considered that universities have a key role in developing technical competence in archaeology in the same way as they have in other disciplines.



Theme D: Economic Realities - Opportunities and the Affordability of Training focussed on the cost to organisations, rather than to individuals, of training, and almost exclusively in terms of fieldworking, primary data-recovery skills.  The overriding feeling of the debate was to emphasise the value, rather than the cost, of training – and to stress that not training staff led to real costs for organisations that outweighed the investment involved in developing the skills of employees.



Discussion on Theme E, The Training Needs of the Voluntary Sector, recognised that the demand for training from the voluntary sector focuses on field skills, and that there is a great demand for such training opportunities.  Discussion on this Theme segued into the discussion on Theme F, Flexible and Modular Routes to Accredited Qualifications where it was recognised that flexible, modular training with recognised qualifications to reward this training would be welcomed.  Such training and qualifications could be relevant for both professional and voluntary practitioners.



Overall, the conference presented a feeling of general agreement that the NOS will have the potential to ensure that quality control in training could be ensured. 



I would like to thank everyone who participated in this conference, and I would like to particularly thank Gill Chitty, for posting up the introductions to the Themes in her role as reporter and moderator for the consultation on behalf of the Archaeology Training Forum.  I would also like to thank all the Theme Moderators, Peter Hinton, Mike Heyworth, Don Henson and John Walker, as well as Jon Bateman as co-list 'owner'.



The outcomes of the conference will now form part of a final submission to the Archaeology Training Forum on the utility and application of the NOS later this summer.



Kenneth Aitchison

Head of Training and Standards

Institute of Field Archaeologists