Cardiff University signs new heritage placement partnership with Welsh museums

A new partnership between Cardiff University and three heritage partners will enable students to gain valuable work experience while also assisting leading South Wales museums with their work.

Cardiff Story Museum, Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier, The Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh (Brecon) and Cardiff University's School of History, Archaeology and Religion have formally recognised their working relationship by signing an official work experience agreement.

The agreement is mutually beneficial for undergraduates who are considering their career options and museums in meeting their public aims.

The scheme has already generated positive outcomes, with students from the University's Care of Collections course spending a year monitoring the condition of Cardiff Story Museum's 'Cardiff Story' collection, enabling the museum to prioritise its conservation work.

The Story Museum looks after a range of objects that help depict the history of Cardiff so that visitors and future generations can learn from and be inspired by the city's heritage. 

Professor Chris Williams, Head of the University's School of History, Archaeology and Religion, said: "The contribution that universities make to the local economy by working in partnership with local community organisations cannot be underestimated; this does not just derive from research but the thousands of hours of service our students and staff make through public engagement, volunteering and work experience."

Graham Getheridge, Work Placements Officer for the School added: "Through this network of supportive heritage organisations we are giving undergraduates not only a taste of a career in the heritage sector but also a better understanding of the workplace. We are keen to further develop opportunities within the commercial, public and third sectors."

Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Community Development, Co-operatives and Social Enterprise Councillor Peter Bradbury said: "The volunteer partnership the museum has with Cardiff University is invaluable and the students play an important role in assisting the museum in several areas including collection care, research, community outreach and publicity. In return, volunteers gain valuable practical work experience which may help them secure jobs when they leave university."