It’s coming up to five months since I’ve started my Apprenticeship at the Museum of Cornish life. This opportunity has been provided by Cornwall Marine Network and is 16 months long and is funded thanks to Arts Council England. I’ve learnt so many new skills since starting in September, not only for future employment but for life. I’ve learnt how to do the banking, to use social media to promote the museum, how to handle historic objects and costumes and have been on courses to gain qualifications in things like first aid and safeguarding. Through the CMN I have learnt about subjects such as British values and terrorism and realized the importance of these aspects of modern life. Another important aspect of my role is to learn more about customer service in the heritage industry. Many different people visit the museum with various needs, some visit with the intention of tracing their roots, some are eager to talk about their lives, school groups need meeting and greeting and others want access to our printing and photocopying facilities.

My role at the museum is incredibly varied and diverse which keeps every day fresh and exciting. For example, one day I could be doing a social media post for example the Photo of the week and then the next moment helping with the cleaning. Then, the next day I could be doing the banking or helping with a Victorian outfit in the costume store. I feel very lucky to be working in such a friendly and inclusive place. It’s good to be trying so many different things and to get a feel for how everything operates in a museum. I’ve learnt an awful lot more than I knew before about the history of Helston and beyond.

I’m quite often located on the front desk where we do lots of printing, photocopying and helping with queries. I started my apprenticeship with no experience of the heritage sector whatsoever but I have always had a passion and a love for history whether its reading historical books or just visiting ancient Cornish sites and museums. I studied Classics at college and enjoyed it a lot but didn’t pursue it to university. I’ve come from working at a local pub, which was a very different atmosphere from the Museum but has definitely helped with the customer service I deliver in my current role.

One of the main things I like about the museum is the variety of the objects on display, one minute you can contemplate a sword that has seen battle at Waterloo and the next you’re looking at a Victorian Cornish kitchen. Either way, one of the main draws to our museum is the fact that so many of the objects on display are not stuck behind some glass but are open just as they would’ve been. This allows you to be more immersed in Cornwall’s past, to the point that you can almost touch it. For the many people who visit us from Australia and Canada and beyond, in search of their ancestors it is exactly what they want to discover. It’s always a pleasure to help these people try to connect with their roots, and point them towards places where they can uncover even more.

It’s satisfying to be part of an organization which champions the everyday and the ordinary person. For example, we have a multitude of artifacts that resonate with people because they are familiar with them. I believe it is imperative for everyone to have access to lifelong education.

I was educated in Helston and it’s nice to give back to the local community either by helping with practical enquiries or additional advice.  It’s a joy to see the community together at some of our events such as our Christmas fair and Flora Day events.

I’ve also really enjoyed being left in charge on occasional days which enables me to practice my decision making and increases my confidence in my own abilities.