Results from comprehensive surveys of Australian professional archaeologists undertaken in 2005 and 2010 are considered in the context of disciplinary trends, focusing on changes in access and participation, archaeological workplaces, qualifications and skill gaps. Strong growth is demonstrated in the professional archaeology sector between 2005 and 2010, showing substantial restructuring in the last five years, with an increase in Indigenous archaeology and a corresponding decrease in other subfields, especially historical archaeology. An analysis of self-assessed skill sets and skill gaps shows that the training of many professionals continues to leave significant gaps in core skill and knowledge areas which are consistent across industry subfields. • Used archaeological skills in paid employment during the calendar year preceding the survey census year; and, • Worked in Australia, or was based in Australia and worked overseas.
What is the purpose of this survey? This survey profiles professional archaeology in Australia and aims to develop an understanding of our discipline and how it is changing. The survey targets demographic, employment and professional activities data. This survey builds on data collected in surveys undertaken in 2005, 2010 and 2015 to provide information on longitudinal trends in professional archaeology in Australia. Results are available online for the 2005 survey, the 2010 survey and the 2015 survey. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete, and is divided into two parts. We encourage participants to complete both parts of the survey. This survey is being carried out under the auspices of the Australian National Committee for Archaeology Teaching and Learning (ANCATL). Who should complete this survey? This survey is designed to be as inclusive as possible and recognises the use of archaeological skills in a broad range of fields. Participation in this survey is voluntary. It should be completed by anyone who: • used archaeological skills in paid employment during 2019; and • works in Australia, or is based in Australia and works overseas. How will my privacy be protected? The survey does not identify individuals, and your responses will be reported at an aggregate level only or as anonymous quotations. By pressing the "Next" button at the base of this page you are providing consent for us to use any data you supply in aggregate form or as anonymous quotations. Completed surveys will only be viewed by project staff. Survey data are encrypted and your IP address will not be stored in the survey results. Taking part in this study is completely voluntary and you can stop taking part in the study at any time without explanation or prejudice. How will the data collected in the survey be used? These data will feed into ongoing reviews of archaeology, including teaching and learning issues, professional development and understanding the employment environment in Australia. Aggregate results will be publicly available and reported in various formats, including on the web, in conference presentations and in scholarly papers. How do I get more information about the survey project? If you have any questions about the study "Australian Archaeology in Profile" project, please contact the Project Coordinators, Professor Sean Ulm (phone: 07 4232 1191) or Dr Geraldine Mate (phone: 07 3842 9276). This project complies with the provisions contained in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and complies with the regulations governing experimentation on humans (clearance number: H7938). If you have any concerns regarding the ethical conduct of the study, please contact Human Ethics,
A comprehensive survey of Australian professional archaeologists undertaken in 2015 is used to explore key aspects and emerging trends in the state of the archaeological profession in Australia. Comparisons are made with data collected using the same survey instrument in 2005 and 2010 to allow consideration of longer-term disciplinary trends related to working conditions, changing participation and access, trends in qualifications and workplace confidence and re-evaluating skills gaps identified in previous surveys. Substantial changes in the archaeological workplace are identifiable with deterioration in employment conditions and an increasingly casualised workforce, contrasting with a growth in professionalisation observed through an increasingly qualified workforce. Restructuring of the discipline observed in previous surveys, showing increases in Indigenous archaeology and a corresponding decrease in other subfields, are less pronounced. Survey data demonstrate the Australian archaeological workforce to be a highly qualified discipline by world standards but also a discipline that is being reshaped by downsizing of government regulation of heritage issues and volatility in the private sector related to external economic factors. ARTICLE HISTORY
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