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Skills For The Future update- The end of an internship

A guest blog from Skills for the Future Visitor Services trainee Abbie Chidwick. As Abbie comes to the end of her year at the museum, she reflects on what she’s learnt and achieved.

So I’m now coming to the end of my Skills for the Future Internship, and looking back, I have learnt a lot.

From organising and running my own event, to assisting with many others, I have learnt the skills needed to liaise with other staff members as well as other organisations, understood the amount of time needed to plan and implement an event, and have been able to see the hard work pay off through seeing visitors enjoying the events that have taken place.

I have undertaken lots of training, including fire safety, first aid and learning how to carry out risk assessments. I have embarked upon the journey of working towards accomplishing an NVQ Level 3 in Cultural Heritage Venue Operations, and have attended various course days run by SHARE Museums East, which has given me valuable insight and training into evaluation and feedback, writing press releases, film making, photographing collection, as well as ideas for low tech museum interactives.

Whilst being a Museum Assistant, I have run Alton Water Mill and given guided tours of Crowe St Cottages – as well as written my own guided tour of the Farming Year, which should be implemented shortly; keep an ear out!

I have managed group bookings, maintained the database and dealt with enquiries. I have led and helped with some children’s activities and been involved with the development of the Museum’s re-brand. I have organised launches and set up for a variety of events and activities including evening bookings and room hire. I have run object handling sessions which are available to Museum visitors.

 

So all in all, there has been lots to do and loads to learn! I have most enjoyed seeing history come to life when giving tours in Crowe Street Cottages, with visitors re-living their memories, which is magical! But it has also been really interesting learning about visitor services and the amount of work which goes into an event.

To conclude, my time spent as a Visitor Services Intern has provided me with many transferable skills which I aim to put to good use in the future!

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