Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

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Gaining Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Learning And Access Officers

Natalie: Learning and Access Officer  

Transcript

Can you introduce yourself? 

. Hello, I'm Natalie  

. I work as the Learning and Access Officer at Leeds City Museum  

What is your job? 

. I help to organise and welcome school groups and family groups and other learners 

What do you do in your job? 

. I help to lead school trips for school children 

. We go out to galleries and, do tours, searching activities, finding things 

. I get out our real museum artifacts and objects that the children can handle and interact with and learn from 

. I create trails, family activities and coordinate big events 

How did you get your job and what is your background? 

. I studied Psychology as a student, and then I qualified and worked as a primary school teacher 

. Then I transition into working in the museum sector, my very first job in museums was an Enabler which is delivering activities for families and schools 

. Then I became a Learning and Access Officer   

What do you like about your job? 

. I like the variety of what I get to do 

. I may sometimes work with a small group of four children and help them, to learn about a particular topic linked to their school studies 

. Or I may work with hundreds if not thousands of family visitors in our busiest school holidays, helping them spend time together as a family and discover new things and new passions  

What is some advice on how to get a job like yours, and to work in a museum setting? 

. Get a good, good understanding of the types of different roles and jobs that are within the museum sector 

. speak to different people or do some research, see if you can find some journals online or some websites about, for example, museum learning 

. Ask a museum or a heritage site if you could go in and shadow for a day  

What are the benefits from working in a museum setting?  

. I think being part of a wider team that's passionate and knowledgeable about the work that we do and the different subjects we have  

. You get to meet so many different people who visit the museums 

. Every day is different, which is interesting and exciting 

. I think being in a creative place that's very varied is good for your own wellbeing 

What is your favourite site you work at?  

. Leeds City Museum is my favourite site because I know it the best and I really enjoy being here 

Carl: Learning and Access Officer

Transcript

Can you introduce yourself? 

. My name is Carl 

. I am a Learning and Access officer for Leeds Museums and Galleries  

What is your job? 

. I work on a project called Careers for All 

What do you do in your job? 

. I create aspiring activities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities  

. I organise careers fairs, workshops, outreach and work experience  

 

How did you get your job and what is your background? 

. I trained as a primary school teacher, specialising in additional educational needs  

. Volunteered for museums  

. After my teaching job I applied for museum jobs 

. Worked as a guide, then a learning assistant and then got the job I am in now  

What do you like about your job? 

. Working with lots of different people and individuals daily 

. Get to know people well through our work experience scheme   

What is some advice on how to get a job like yours, and to work in a museum setting? 

. Be involved in education, such as helping in a school, volunteer or get work experience in a school 

. Gain experience in a museum and heritage setting  

What are the benefits from working in a museum setting?  

. Always surrounded by interesting history and heritage  

. Meet lots of interesting people  

What is your favourite site you work at?  

. Temple Newsam has beautiful grounds that surround an incredible Tudor house  

. I also have a soft spot for Leeds Industrial Museum