UK Career Advice

Archive Assistant: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

What is a Archive Assistant?

As an Archive Assistant in the UK, you'll help museum and archive professionals to organize, maintain, and protect various historical items and records, ensuring their preservation for future generations. This role offers a great opportunity to explore history while working behind the scenes in museums, galleries, or other cultural institutions.

How do I become a Archive Assistant?

As an Archive Assistant in the UK, you'll help museum and archive professionals to organize, maintain, and protect various historical items and records, ensuring their preservation for future generations. This role offers a great opportunity to explore history while working behind the scenes in museums, galleries, or other cultural institutions.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Archive Assistant?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Archive Assistant

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Knowledge of archival principles and practices
  • Ability to organize and manage large volumes of information
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Familiarity with digital preservation and metadata standards
  • Proficiency in database management and data entry
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and deadlines
  • Commitment to preserving cultural heritage and historical records

Qualifications & Education

  • A good first degree is required for entry into a relevant postgraduate course
  • Relevant practical experience is often required for entry into many postgraduate courses
  • On-the-job training is typically received
  • Professional qualifications leading to NVQs/SVQs in relevant areas are available at Levels 3, 4, and 5

Career Path

Archive Assistant
Archivist
Senior Archivist
Head Archivist
Archives Manager
Records Manager
Senior Records Manager
Head of Records Management
Digital Archivist
Senior Digital Archivist
Digital Preservation Specialist
Conservator
Senior Conservator
Head Conservator
Researcher' (in a specific field, such as history or genealogy)
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