Get involved
Work experience
Work Experience in archaeology
At Cotswold Archaeology we believe hands-on experience is key to understanding the diverse and exciting roles available in our profession.
Our Work Experience programme provides students 14 and over with a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes in one of the UK’s largest commercial archaeological companies, to see first-hand what it’s like to be an archaeologist.
Students take part in workshops and interactive activities designed to give them an insight into the specialisms in our company.
A typical week might see students working alongside our finds team to clean, identify and sort the artefacts and ecofacts we recover from excavation. Students may then attend workshops with our geomatics team and our heritage consultants, as well as learning from our illustrators about the drawings, photographs and reconstructions we produce.
Ready to apply for work experience?
You can find out more about our work experience programmes and apply for a work experience week through our Volunteer Portal.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I need to be?
Our work experience programme is open to students aged 14 and over.
When are the placements available?
Depending on the office, some placements may be scheduled for specific weeks, while others may offer flexible dates. Full details can be found on the Volunteer Portal under each office’s work experience page.
How do I use the Volunteer Portal?
We have downloadable instructions to help you get set up on our Volunteer Portal.
Do I need previous archaeological experience?
No prior experience is necessary. We provide full beginner-level training for each task you’ll be asked to complete.
Can I be notified when work experience applications open?
When registering for an account on the Volunteer Portal, make sure you check ‘Receive marketing emails’. You will then receive email notifications when new opportunities become available.
Is the programme suitable for neurodivergent individuals?
Cotswold Archaeology is committed to inclusivity. If you are disabled, neurodivergent, or have other support needs, we will work with you to discuss any reasonable adjustments that can be made. Please let us know when applying if you require additional support, or reach out to us at community@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk to discuss your needs.
How many spaces does Cotswold Archaeology offer?
Each office usually offers six placements per year, over the course of three weeks.
How long will each placement last?
Each placement lasts one week, from Monday to Friday.
Do I need school permission to take part?
If you are in school or college, please check whether they have designated weeks for work experience. Your school or college may also require paperwork to be completed by both you and us.
I’m home-schooled, can I apply?
Yes. We welcome enquiries from home-schooled students and their parents.
Do I need parental permission to take part?
Yes. All students under 18 years must have parental/carer permission to take part. This is part of the registration process when applying via the Volunteer Portal.
What happens if I’m not successful with my application?
If placements are full, you may be placed on a waiting list. We’ll contact you if an opportunity becomes available.
If you are unsuccessful with your work experience application you may still find opportunities on our Volunteer Portal to apply for.
What happens on a typical day?
Before your placement begins you’ll receive a copy of your timetable for the week so that you know what to expect.
Each day, you’ll be paired with a mentor — a Cotswold Archaeology staff member who will help you navigate the office and be your point of contact for any concerns.
You’ll take part in a variety of workshops, which usually include a presentation and a hands-on activity.
Lunch is typically 45 minutes, taken between 12:00 and 14:00, with additional short breaks during the day.
Most workshops take place in the office, though there may be opportunities to visit an excavation site or attend a community dig.
What do I bring? What do I wear?
Please bring your own food and drink. All offices have kitchen facilities, including fridges, microwaves, toasters, hot water urns, tea/coffee stations and water coolers.
Wear casual, comfortable clothing — you may get a little dirty!