Applications open: Young Archivists!

Croydon Archives is looking for 10 ‘Young Archivists’ to participate in a 15-month paid programme exploring the diverse experiences of young people and underrepresented histories in Croydon.

In addition to participating in workshops with an exciting selection of sector professionals and organisations, you will work alongside us to co-create an engagement programme which could include exhibitions, events and digital content showcased to a public audience – leaving a permanent legacy in Croydon Archives.

Young Archivists will be paid London Living Wage (£13.15 per hour) for their time.

The programme involves a commitment of 4-5 hours per month between March 2024 and May 2025. Young Archivists sessions will take place in-person in Croydon, outside of your school or college attendance hours.

Your ideas will be essential to reinterpreting and highlighting archive material relating to the past, present and future of Croydon – including historic collections and the record of Croydon’s exciting year as London Borough of Culture.

Together we will think about:

• How archives can represent the diverse experiences of young people, and foreground their voices.
• How our archives can be more reflective of Croydon’s community, and celebrate Croydon’s culture.
• What people, places and stories are important to past, present and future Croydon residents.
• What an inclusive archive could look, feel and sound like!

The deadline to apply is 6PM on Wednesday 21st February.

The Young Archivists programme offers a fun and supportive space to develop your research skills, creative talents and work experience – as well as discover new passions, collaborate with other young people and see whether a career in the culture and heritage sectors is for you!

You will gain:

• Training in archiving, producing events and exhibitions
• Creative workshops with industry professionals
• Research and digital skills
• Mentorship in your future career or study ambitions
• Connections with sector organisations

To be eligible to apply you must be aged 14-18 years old at the start of the programme. You do not need any prior work experience or knowledge of archives for these roles – we are looking for people who are passionate, inspired, creative and enthusiastic to learn new things!

Click here for more information about the programme and advice on making an application.

To apply for the Young Archivists programme, fill in the online application form:

If you have any questions about the programme or application process, are experiencing any barriers to making an application, or have alternative accessibility requirements, please contact francesca.telling@croydon.gov.uk.

Young Archivists is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players. The roles are part of the ‘Digitally Transforming Croydon Archives/London Borough of Culture Legacy’ project.

We look forward to reading your application!