Conservators preserve and restore historical objects, artworks and buildings.
£24,000 Starter
to£60,000 Experienced
39 to 41 variable
as a contractor / self-employed managing your own hours
You can get into this job through:
You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in conservation. The course you do will depend on which area of conservation you want to work in. Examples are:
You'll usually need:
You can start out by doing a cultural heritage conservation technician higher apprenticeship, then take further training to qualify.
You could also apply for a cultural heritage conservator degree apprenticeship if you have the right experience and qualifications.
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
You may be able to move into certain kinds of conservation work if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, building conservation may be suitable if you're a qualified stonemason, plasterer or roofer.
If you want to specialise in conservation of crafts, like stained glass, decorative stonework or metalwork, you're more likely to build up your skills and experience through a work-based route.
You'll find that internships are a useful way to get practical experience after studying.
You'll also have an advantage when looking for courses and jobs if you have some relevant work experience. For example with a museum collection or historic site.
You can find out more about careers in conservation from The Institute of Conservation and Creative Choices.
You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
You'll need:
Your day-to-day duties may include:
You could work in a workshop, in a creative studio or in a laboratory.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
You could move into a management job, although this will usually mean stepping away from 'hands on' practical conservation work.
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a conservator right now.
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
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