Museum assistant

Alternative titles for this job include Visitor experience assistant

Museum assistants take care of customers and security in museums and galleries.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£22,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on a rota

How to become a museum assistant

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could get into this work through an advanced apprenticeship in cultural and heritage venue operations.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), usually including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering and experience

It's important that you get as much work experience as possible. It will help you get a better understanding of the role, and make contacts who may help you to find paid work.

Direct application

You do not need any particular qualifications to become a museum assistant, although you'll usually need a good general standard of education, especially in English and maths.

There is a lot of competition for jobs and you may find some museums and galleries ask for a certain level of qualification, like A levels or equivalent.

You'll be in a stronger position when looking for work if you have:

• experience in customer care
• an interest in museums and their services
• volunteering experience in a museum, gallery or heritage attraction

More information

Career tips

Experience of security work could be useful for some jobs.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Museums Association for your professional development.

Further information

You can get more advice on working in museums from the Museums Association and Creative Choices.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• an interest and knowledge of history
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• patrolling buildings to monitor security
• making sure exhibits are in good order
• talking to visitors and helping them
• helping curators and other staff to move and change displays and exhibitions
• issuing entrance tickets
• serving in a museum shop
• carrying out administrative tasks and cleaning

Working environment

You could work in a museum.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

With experience and relevant qualifications, you could become a programmes assistant, volunteer coordinator or assistant curator.

You could also become a learning assistant or education officer.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice - Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations - London Theatre Consortium (LTC)

• Wage : £288.00 Weekly
• Location: London SW1W 8AS

Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Certificate in Customer Service and Professional Development (QCF)

• Provider: THE SKILLS PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
• Start date: 08 April 2019
• Location: London

NVQ Certificate in Customer Service Level 1

• Provider: Bedfordshire & Luton Education Business Partnership
• Start date: 01 September 2019
• Location: Bedford

Find courses near you

Related careers

• Museum curator
• Indexer

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