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Museums Galleries Scotland launches first ever non-graduate traineeship programme

The Heritage Horizons Traineeship Programme, which is run by Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Skills for the Future’ programme is an accredited vocational programme designed to offer an innovative entry route for non-graduates to work in museums and increase diversity in the sector.

The students have the chance to attain an SVQ level 3 vocational qualification in Museums & Galleries Practice alongside workplace learning during a 12 month paid placement in a host museum. On completion of the programme the trainees will have the combination of a qualification and the confidence of work readiness.

In total 386 applications were received from 214 applicants for 20 traineeships and from February, the successful trainees will work alongside professionals in their host museum or gallery, learning a range of core museum skills including digitising collections, learning and engagement and volunteer management.

“We’ve run successful internship programmes for graduates for the last two years, with almost all of our interns then going on to work in museums or to further education,” said Joanne Orr, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland.  “We’re delighted now to be able to offer non-graduates of all ages and backgrounds a career opportunity in the heritage sector and have been encouraged by the overwhelming number of applications we’ve had. I’d like to congratulate the successful candidates on their appointment to the Heritage Horizons programme and to wish them all the very best.”

Museums and galleries hosting trainees in the Heritage Horizons Traineeship programme are:
Orkney Islands Council – Orkney Museum
Scottish Borders Council Museum & Gallery Service in partnership with Trimontium Museum Trust and the Tim Stead Trust
City of Edinburgh Council – Edinburgh Museums and Galleries
Dundee Heritage Trust
Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust Ltd
Aberdeen City Council – Aberdeen Maritime Museum
St Andrews Preservation Trust
Groam House Museum Trust
Glencoe Folk Museum
The Argyll and Southern Highlanders Regimental Trust Museum
CultureNL – Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
National Museums of Scotland – National Museum of Scotland
Perth & Kinross Council – Perth Museum & Art Gallery
Glasgow Life – Glasgow Museums
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – Museum nan Eilean
Scottish Maritime Museum
Grampian Transport Museum