IFA and EDI launch vocational qualification in archaeological practice

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Aspiring archaeologists who are being trained informally can for the first time acquire vocationally relevant skills, thanks to a new qualification launched yesterday.

The qualification in Archaeological Practice has been developed over three years by the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA) with the support of the Creative and Cultural Industries Sector Skills Council and Education Development International (EDI).

The award is offered at Levels 3 and 4, and provides a means of formally accrediting on-the-job training, as well as a nationally-recognised framework of skills in areas such as research, conservation and health and safety.

Kenneth Aitchison, Head of Professional Development at the IFA, said: “To be able to finally offer a recognised qualification to both professional and amateur archaeologists is a huge achievement. Many organisations have been involved in the development of the qualification and we hope that archaeologists across the UK will be able to benefit from its development.”

EDI, who are launching the qualification at the Guildhall, London, will be offering the award at their heritage centres, and it will also be available from the IFA and new assessment centres. The Nautical Archaeology Society will be offering the syllabus as part of their training programme, and volunteer training projects and excavations such as Dig Manchester are pencilled in for the future.

“EDI [“¦] have the background, expertise and experience that have meshed perfectly with our requirements to deliver the qualification to professional archaeologists, students, and unpaid participants who want to be able to demonstrate their skills,” said Mr Aitchison.

Gareth Phillips, Business Development Director of EDI, commented: “EDI are delighted to be the awarding body that has worked with the IFA to develop this qualification. Together we have created a qualification that the archaeology sector needs in order to further develop the skills of both the amateur and professional archaeologist.”

Annabel Hardy