The Tomorrow People, a joint report from the Museums Association (MA) and the University of East Anglia, was written by Maurice Davies, the deputy director of the MA. He told Museums Journal that the current model is exclusive because it is based on individuals' ability to pay. 'It is fundamentally discriminatory. If museums want to address workforce diversity they must change the way that they recruit.'
He said that an additional problem was that although there were usually enough candidates for entry-level jobs, progression was often non-existent. 'Museums have got used to employing over-qualified people for very basic jobs and then don't offer systematic training and development,' said Davies.
The report advocates a mixture of work experience and training as the best model, with employers playing a more pro-active role.
Last year Derby Museums and Art Gallery changed its grading structure to allow more flexibility in recruitment. Jonathan Wallis, the assistant head of museums, said they wanted to make entering the profession easier and allow for training and progression once in post.
'If someone applies to be an assistant keeper they could get that job without an MA in museums studies, but they couldn't get to the top of the grade without an MA, and it would be the museum's job to pay for and support that process.'
Wallis said that since starting the scheme more applicants had come
forward for entry-level jobs, but he added: 'It can't just be a few museum services doing it - it needs to be all of them together.'
Davies admitted that it might be difficult to change the current system because at the moment there is no cost to employers if entrants are prepared to fund their own courses and training. But he said it would be good for the whole sector if it could create a culture where people's potential was recognised and developed.
The MA is putting together an entry-level forum that will meet next month to discuss recommendations from the report. These include: widening of entry routes including employer-supported traineeships; greater effort to diversify the workforce; increased cooperation between museums and MA courses; and better training and development for new entrants.
The full report is available on the MA website: www.museumsassociation.org/entrylevel
Sharon Heal
He said that an additional problem was that although there were usually enough candidates for entry-level jobs, progression was often non-existent. 'Museums have got used to employing over-qualified people for very basic jobs and then don't offer systematic training and development,' said Davies.
The report advocates a mixture of work experience and training as the best model, with employers playing a more pro-active role.
Last year Derby Museums and Art Gallery changed its grading structure to allow more flexibility in recruitment. Jonathan Wallis, the assistant head of museums, said they wanted to make entering the profession easier and allow for training and progression once in post.
'If someone applies to be an assistant keeper they could get that job without an MA in museums studies, but they couldn't get to the top of the grade without an MA, and it would be the museum's job to pay for and support that process.'
Wallis said that since starting the scheme more applicants had come
forward for entry-level jobs, but he added: 'It can't just be a few museum services doing it - it needs to be all of them together.'
Davies admitted that it might be difficult to change the current system because at the moment there is no cost to employers if entrants are prepared to fund their own courses and training. But he said it would be good for the whole sector if it could create a culture where people's potential was recognised and developed.
The MA is putting together an entry-level forum that will meet next month to discuss recommendations from the report. These include: widening of entry routes including employer-supported traineeships; greater effort to diversify the workforce; increased cooperation between museums and MA courses; and better training and development for new entrants.
The full report is available on the MA website: www.museumsassociation.org/entrylevel
Sharon Heal
