Our Global London Trainees

Through Our Global Thames, Trainees use selected mudlark finds to examine the history of London and the Thames through the lens of three, closely entwined concepts - trade, migration and empire – and respond to key research questions:  

• What can objects found on the Thames foreshore tell us about London’s global connections in the past?
• How can mudlarked objects shed light on the arrival and formation of migrant communities in London?
• How can mudlarking engage and inspire London’s underrepresented communities who may not consider heritage to be “for them”?

Trainees will be paid London Living Wage (£14.80/hr).

• We provide a 15-day paid traineeship programme based at Cody Dock in Newham. Learning outcomes will cover key heritage practices such as object handling and conservation, GIS/digital mapping, exhibition curation and archival research. You will benefit from a tailored programme of heritage experiences including visits to The Portable Antiquities Scheme at London Museum Docklands, The London Archives, Newham Archives, the National Maritime Museum, the Institute of Historical Research, and Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA).
• We will publish Trainees’ independent research in a printed book
• Trainees can participate in public engagement events as part of Totally Thames festival 2026
• Trainees access mentoring sessions with professionals to help guide progress into further employment.
• Trainees can share experiences via a peer-to-peer learning group
• Trainees can apply for a 3-month paid skill-development internships within 3 partner heritage organisations (3 internships are available in total).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Available to attend a 15-day paid traineeship programme based at Cody Dock in Newham on Mondays & Tuesdays from 1st June to 15th July 2026.
• Willingness to have your research published.

Desired Skills & Interests

• Interest in a career in heritage, archives, museums, or wider arts & cultural sector.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Practical and proactive in attitude.
• Desire to take advantage of the opportunities available vie this scheme

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter (no more than 1 side A4) explaining your interest in the role, what you feel you will bring to the project and how you feel the traineeship will benefit you to Adrian Evans.

Please fill in our equal opportunities form.

Please also indicate if you live or study in the London Borough of Newham.

• Wednesday 13 May – Deadline for applications.
• Friday 15 May – Successful applicants will be informed of interview.
• Monday 18 & Tuesday 19 May – Interviews will take place on Zoom.
• Thursday 22 May – Successful interviewees will be notified.

Terms of Contract  

• Attend Traineeship Programme: from 01 June 2026 to 15 July 2026 (15 days). 2 days a week for 6 weeks and 3 days a week for final week. Usually Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 5pm. And, provide an original written research essay of approximately 1,250 words based on chosen mudlark find. This to be delivered by 22 July 2026. Inclusive Fee = £1,648.15
• Participate in Public Engagement events on various dates in September. Fee = £103.60 per event
• Internships (3 available): From October to December 2026. 2 days a week for 13 weeks. Fee = £2,694

You will be contracted as a freelancer and will be responsible for your own taxes and national insurance. You will invoice monthly for your fee which will be paid in arrears.