Claire and Rebecca gave an introduction to the upcoming Registrar Apprenticeship Scheme, explaining: what an apprenticeship is; why you should have an apprentice; where to start; and how it works. The Trailblazer Group was set up in 2017 to research the above questions, to find out how it might work for our profession and develop a standard, bearing in mind the diversity of roles for registrars within the industry: exhibitions; collections; public and commercial. It will be a level 6 apprenticeship which is degree level equivalent and can take up to 3 years to complete. Key skills and knowledge covered are: collections care; project management; compliance management; data management and communication.

So what is an apprenticeship and why should you have one? It is a ‘real job’ which allows certification whilst working. The apprentice will have the same terms and conditions as an employee and will gain competency ‘on the job’. 20% will be ‘off site’ training, for instance couriering or shadowing. An apprentice doesn’t have to be a school leaver, it can be someone looking to change career. The vocational nature of the training suits the job, it can address issues of diversity within your organisation and offer more opportunities.

The UKRG will provide all the information to help you start. The contract is for 30 hours per week although it could also be less hours over a longer period. The Government wants employers to be at the centre of the process so this can be flexible, the apprentice has 3 years to get to the delivery point. The salary must be in alignment with the funding band suggested by the Government. There is a £16,000 levy available which can be drawn down over 2 years, small employers pay 5% of the cost of apprenticeship training and the Government pays the rest.

The Trailblazer Group are now ready to appoint End Point Assessors and training providers with a view to the first apprentices starting in September 2023. Assessment will be at the end of the apprenticeship and includes a discussion of the portfolio of work that the apprentice has produced and a presentation of the project carried out as the final part of the scheme. UKRG will develop and train a pool of assessors – if you are interested in becoming an assessor, you will need to have a wide range of experience in collections management and at least 5 years at a senior level.

If your institution is interested in the apprenticeship scheme, a survey will soon be sent to members so you can register interest, so watch this space!