You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship, depending on the type of work you want to do. Options include:

• Facilities Services Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Customer Service Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Cultural Learning and Participation Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Museums Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

Volunteering in a museum, gallery or heritage centre will give you get a better understanding of the roles, and a chance to make contacts who might be able to help you find a paid position.

You can search for volunteering opportunities through:

• the Museums Association
• The National Council for Voluntary Organisations
• Do IT

You can apply to vacancies directly. You'll usually need a good general standard of education, including 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 can improve your chances when looking for work if you have:

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

You'll need:

• an interest and knowledge of history
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to learn through your work
• the ability to use your initiative
• active listening skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As a museum attendant, you could:

• patrol buildings, check CCTV and monitor security
• make sure exhibits are in good order and report any issues
• give talks to visitors about exhibitions and answer questions
• help curators to change displays and exhibitions
• prepare rooms for conferences, functions and events
• handle enquiries, take bookings, issue tickets and serve in the museum shop
• carry out administrative tasks

You could work in a museum or at an art gallery.

You may need to wear a uniform.