YOUR FUTURE IN THE PAST: HERITAGE CAREERS 

History isn’t just about the past; it plays a thriving role in our lives and society today, and also contributes to the economy.

In the Liverpool City Region, we’re lucky to have many world-class museums, many classic buildings and architecture, and a range of historical landmarks. Because of this, our region is a great place for anyone with a passion for the past to build a heritage-related career.

A great base for history lovers

Here’s why our region offers a fantastic mix of ingredients for anyone interested in a career that embraces history:

• World-class collections: From the Walker to the Lady Lever, the Liverpool City Region’s museums and galleries hold some impressive historic art and artefacts, many of which link to local history. 
• Historical locations: We have some amazing locations across the region that are either historical or have significant natural history, such as the beautiful Knowsley Hall estate, Speke Hall, and the coastline at Formby.
• Strong visitor economy: Approximately 60 million tourists visit the Liverpool City Region each year, many of whom are interested in local history. This creates opportunities for experts in local history working in roles such as tour guides and museum curators.
• A hub for creativity: our region’s historical architecture makes it one of the most filmed-in locations in the UK, often chosen for period dramas such as Netflix’s The Crown and ITV’s Victoria. As a result, there are job opportunities for researchers and location scouts who know our unique heritage inside out. 
• Strong music and sports heritage: The Liverpool City Region has a seriously impressive historical track record in both music and sports, which has shaped our economy and status in the world.

Historical career paths 

So, we’re lucky enough to live in a region drenched in history. But what jobs are actually out there?

Museums, galleries, and heritage sites

There are a number of different job roles associated with working in museums, galleries and heritage sites, including:

• Visitor experience host
• Curatorial assistant (researching collections)
• Education officer (working with schools)
• Digital content creator (managing social media)

Higher-level roles include exhibition curator and a variety of leadership and management positions.

Visitor economy and tourism

If you have strong people skills and a passion for the region you live in, tourism could be the route for you. You could share the Liverpool City Region’s history with people from all over the world!

• Tour guide (walking tours, bus tours, or at venues)
• Visitor centre staff (at museums or heritage sites)
• Event management (running functions in historic venues)

Archives, libraries and research

The perfect path for those who prefer to stay behind the scenes. If this sounds like you, expect to be helping preserve historical stories from across the region by working with original documents, photos, and records. Every local authority has an archive service, so there are opportunities to get involved wherever you are in the Liverpool City Region. Jobs include:

• Archival assistant (check out the Liverpool Record Office, Wirral Archives, or St Helens Archive Service)
• Records manager
• Digital archivist
• Library assistant

Conservation

With all the history that surrounds us, it might be easy to forget about the physical history of our region. Here are just some of the organisations that employ people to care for our natural and built heritage, protecting the landscape for generations to come:

• Local Councils (each will have a conservation team)
• National Trust
• Canals & River Trust

How can I kickstart a career in heritage?

Would you like a job or career that brings history to life? Here are some suggested first steps for entering the local heritage sector:

• Volunteering: This is the number one way to gain valuable experience for your CV whilst building contacts for the future. It also demonstrates to employers that you have a passion and dedication to the past. Why not check for local opportunities at National Museums Liverpool (which also covers the Wirral), your local National Trust site, or any nearby historical locations? You can also search for volunteering opportunities with local archives on the Archives and Records Association website.
• Developing digital expertise: Being digitally savvy is a great asset when marketing yourself to the heritage sector. Now more than ever, it’s becoming important to get younger generations interested in the past, and social media can play a big role in this. With heritage organisations looking to recruit young, tech-savvy talent, take a first step by following all the LCR museums, galleries, and heritage sites on social media to gain a sense of their strategy. Why not even start your own history-themed blog or social media page?
• Local courses and training: If you want to follow a traditional route into history, local colleges and universities offer fantastic courses in history, archaeology, and museum studies, helping you develop the expertise needed to work in the heritage sector. There is also a library, information and archive services apprenticeship. If you secure an entry-level job in a heritage organisation, you could speak to your employer about letting you do this work-based course to develop the skills you need for the role. 
• Visit local sites: Staff at museums, galleries and heritage sites are often happy to chat about their role- perhaps you might learn some valuable career advice as well as some interesting facts about the past!

The Liverpool City Region’s heritage isn’t something that belongs in the past; it’s a route to a job or career today. With so many organisations dedicated to sharing the region’s stories, opportunities to gain experience and build connections are everywhere. If you’re ready to play an essential role in preserving our history, why not start researching local opportunities?