Museum School
News

New Museum School offers paid traineeships to next generation of professionals

Main Image: The New Museum School aims to attract youngsters starting careers in museums. Photograph by Francis Augusto

The New Museum School is a talent-development programme established for those starting a career in galleries, museums, archives and collections and offers a Tax-free bursary of £16,004

Launching in October, The New Museum School is a HLF-supported organisation inspired by the Skills for the Future programmes and offers a year-long traineeship that will ‘open up the arts and heritage workforce to the next generation of diverse talent’.

A collaboration between Create Jobs and Culture&, the New Museum School aims to create a more diverse workforce offering high quality training at some of London’s leading organisations. Applications are now open and introductory sessions are currently underway to find the first 12 trainees who will take part in a programme that includes a RQF Diploma in Cultural Heritage.

The New Museum School says it aims to transform the workforce in order to reflect the society we live in and particularly welcomes individuals who are underrepresented in the sector including people from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, those from the LGBTQ+ community, as well people from a range of socio-economic backgrounds. The course also encourages applicants from a range of educational backgrounds and does not require a minimum formal qualification. Although based in London it is also open to applicants from across the UK.

“Whether interested in digital engagement, learning and outreach or collection care, the programme offers an alternative route into a career in heritage,” said Errol Francis, Culture&’s Chief Executive. “Over the course, trainees will develop skills within a specific department of a host organisation and receive a tailored RQF Diploma in Cultural Heritage. Delivering the New Museum School will play a vital role in ensuring that our heritage workforce and audiences are more representative of the UK’s diverse population.”

The New Museum School is supported by a number of museums and heritage organisations across London including: Brent Museum & Archive, Culture &, English Heritage, Magnum Photos, Museum of Croydon, National Trust London (London Creative Team), National Trust London (Sutton House and Rainham Hall), Keats House, Royal Academy of Arts, Royal Museums Greenwich, Shape Arts, Southbank Centre, William Morris Gallery.

The New Museum School course and how to apply

Trainees receive:

  • 12-month traineeship at host partner
  • Work-based RQF Diploma in Cultural Heritage
  • Monthly professional development days including venue visits, peer learning, networking and guest training
  • ‘Create Audiences’ audience development course delivered by creative industry partners
  • Digital broadcast course with BBC producer
  • Tax-free bursary of £16,004 (equivalent to full-time London Living Wage £18,564)

How to apply

Complete the application form by 6 August (9am).

Application process:

  • Assessment days on either 13 or 14 August
  • Interviews with hosts late August
  • Traineeships begin 1 October 2018