At Icon, we are campaigning for an inclusive conservation profession that offers rewarding careers, meets the evolving needs of employers, and empowers early‑career professionals to thrive. Central to this vision is the creation of diverse, accessible training routes that support a resilient, highly skilled workforce for the future of conservation.
Support for apprenticeships sits at the heart of this ambition. By creating multiple entry routes into the sector, we believe we can open up the conservation profession to anyone with a passion for caring for our shared cultural heritage.
For those entering the sector, apprenticeships provide a valuable opportunity to learn while earning. Apprentices work closely with their employer alongside a formal training provider, developing practical skills, professional knowledge, and confidence while kick‑starting their careers in conservation. For employers, apprenticeships offer the chance to welcome an enthusiastic and committed team member, pass on specialist skills, and play a direct role in shaping the future of the profession.
Apprenticeships provide a vital entry route into conservation, combining hands-on experience with formal training.
A Decade of Supporting Conservation Apprenticeships
Icon has been actively supporting the development of conservation apprenticeships for the past ten years. In 2016, we began working with key stakeholders across the heritage sector to explore sustainable vocational entry routes into conservation. This work culminated in the first conservation‑focused apprenticeship standards in 2018.
While there have been challenges in bringing these standards into delivery, we were delighted that the new Collections Technician apprenticeship standard was approved for delivery in 2025. This represents a significant milestone, with 12 apprentices currently undertaking the programme.
Developing a New Conservator Apprenticeship Standard
Alongside this, work is ongoing to review and develop a new Conservator apprenticeship standard, which is currently progressing through the approvals process. This standard will support apprentices to develop the essential technical skills and underpinning knowledge of conservation practice and theory, enabling them to meet the high professional standards expected across the sector.
We are also committed to supporting and advocating for the full range of apprenticeships available across the sector. Many of these programmes provide high‑quality development opportunities for professionals at different stages of their careers, including leadership and management apprenticeships, which have seen strong uptake across the conservation and heritage workforce.
At Icon, we are keen to practise what we preach. That is why we are incredibly excited to be welcoming an apprentice of our own as part of our successful National Lottery Heritage Fund project. This opportunity will allow us to support a passionate individual to kick‑start their career while working at the heart of the heritage sector, gaining valuable experience and insight into the profession.
If you’re interested in undertaking an apprenticeship, you can visit the National Apprenticeship Service to explore current opportunities across the sector.
Find Out More
If you are an employer, or would like to discuss how apprenticeships could work for your organisation, please get in touch by emailing [email protected]. We’d be very happy to talk through the options and help to point you in the right direction.
For more information about apprenticeships, including how they work and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Icon Conservation Apprenticeships page.