To mark National Apprenticeship Week, Emma Callaghan reflects on how the Cultural Heritage Conservator Apprenticeship transformed her career. Her journey highlights how apprenticeships are opening accessible pathways into the conservation profession while building the skills and confidence needed for long-term success.
Blazing a Trail
The Cultural Heritage Conservator Apprenticeship was established in 2021 alongside the Conservation Technician Apprenticeship (now Collections Technician) as alternative routes into the conservation profession. Apprenticeships allow aspiring conservation professionals to combine paid work with academic training, along with an understanding of and ability to work to professional standards, with Icon acting as End Point Assessor.
Apprenticeships require both an employer and a training provider, and apprentices can be either existing or new employees. I was already employed by the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) as a Conservation Technician when I heard about the new apprenticeship scheme, and it seemed the perfect way to advance my skills and knowledge without having to leave employment to undertake another degree, which was otherwise barred to me due to cost. I enrolled as an apprentice with the NMRN and University of Lincoln in October 2021, along with Valerio Caputi of Pinnacle Conservation Ltd.
Emma with apprenticeship mentor Clare Hunt at ‘Deck Detectives’ event during May half-term, 2025
Knowledge and skills such as that needed by NMRN and other organisations which care for industrial heritage and large objects are also those not taught in great detail by universities. The apprenticeship scheme offered me a chance to get stuck in to a whole range of tasks, allowing me to build up a breadth of experience. This workplace learning was enhanced by the practical and theoretical teaching within the University of Lincoln’s Cultural Heritage Conservation MA course.
Apprentice Conservator
Apprentices work towards building up a portfolio of projects which evidence knowledge, skills and behaviours set by employers, universities, and sector leaders. Many of these criteria fit into projects ongoing at NMRN, such as establishing an understanding of materials, techniques, and current conservation practice in an area of specialism. I worked on a number of interventive projects on board 19th Century frigate HMS Trincomalee, including work to suppress fungal infestation, paint removal, and treating the metal objects on board.
Conserving the galley stove on board HMS Trincomalee in 2023
The apprenticeship standards also allowed me to be involved in projects outside of the scope of a Conservation Technician, which meant I could establish expertise and experience in a much wider range of aspects of conservation. In summer 2022, I had the opportunity to travel to Iceland and assist in the conservation of the collection of the Technical Museum of East Iceland after their buildings had been destroyed and collections greatly affected by mudslide.
I was also thrilled to be part of a NHLF-funded project to conserve and re-interpret the figurehead collection at NMRN. This project in particular had many diverse elements which I was able to be involved in – highlights include procuring and managing conservation services, working with community and academic partners, producing videos explaining conservation processes for the public, and hosting a conservation stall at an event attracting over 600 visitors.
The conservation stall at Queen Charlotte’s Tea Party in the Figurehead Gallery, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
The apprenticeship has also benefitted me in ways which I didn’t expect. A continual review process is followed, in order for all parties to be assured that the programme is on track, and to highlight and solve any issues which might arise. I have become more confident in talking about my work as a result, especially to other conservation professionals. I have been able to present at a number of conferences, including Icon24 and the UK Maritime Heritage Forum in October 2025, during which I presented my MA research project on climate change risk assessment for historic ships.
Emma Callaghan participating in a panel discussion at Icon24
Emma Callaghan participating in a panel discussion at Icon24
Career Development
It’s clear that undertaking the Cultural Heritage Conservator Apprenticeship has been the key in my career development. Whilst an apprentice at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, I was able to advance from Conservation Technician to Conservator. I have recently begun a new chapter as Senior Preventive Conservator at the National Science and Media Museum (part of Science Museum Group). Although the types and needs of the collections at these two institutions are very different, the wide scope of the apprenticeship standards meant that my experience and knowledge have allowed me to progress from ships and figureheads to all things media.
Emma cleaning John Logie Baird’s original experimental television apparatus, on display in the Sound and Vision at National Science and Media Museum
Conservation apprenticeships are a vital way of ensuring that those who have the drive to become conservation professionals have the opportunity to do just that. My development has been driven by the experience gained as an apprentice, a crucial part of which were mentors who have supported me at every turn. I’m looking forward to developing within my new role, continuing to build upon the strong foundation created during my time as an apprentice.
Find out more about the work of the Conservation Team at the National Science and Media Museum in their Blog from the Basement series: Blog from the basement Archives - National Science and Media Museum blog
The Cultural Heritage Apprenticeship standard is currently being reviewed, supported by Icon and a group of employers and sector experts. Find out more about Icon-supported apprenticeships here: Conservation Apprenticeships