At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage students with fascinating stories and historical characters in period clothing.
- Company: Join the award-winning Black Country Living Museum, celebrating local heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, discounts, and a positive work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team in a vibrant, immersive environment.
- Why this job: Share your passion for history while making learning fun and interactive.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic communicator with a love for education and history.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 € per hour.
Location: Dudley, West Midlands
Salary: £12.92 per hour
Hours: Shifts will typically be between Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 14.30pm on a part‑time basis.
Contract: Fixed‑term (Duration: July – December), permanent & casual contracts available
What will you be doing?
- Delivering pre‑set educational content to a variety of students in period appropriate clothing.
- Sharing information in an engaging manner about the lifestyles, industry, achievements and cultures of the Black Country.
- Portraying a wide range of Historic Characters and stories that showcase the rich history of the Black Country.
What are we looking for?
- Able to interact enthusiastically with our visitors and present learning content to groups of students of all ages.
- A passion for education and history.
- A willingness to respond to our training to ensure the authenticity of our stories.
- Respectful adherence to the Museums standards with regards to visitor engagement.
What can you expect?
- Opportunity to learn new skills.
- Positive attitude to work‑life balance.
Benefits
- Access to BCLM’s 29Acre Site
- Generous Annual Leave Allowance
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Retail Discounts via BCLM Online Rewards Portal
- Discounted Membership with Sandwell Leisure Trust
- Complimentary Entry Passes to BCLM
- Staff Discount Scheme
- Free On‑site Parking
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Pay
- Payment of Professional Subscriptions
- Free Flu Jabs
Who are we?
We are an award‑winning 29‑acre open‑air museum, celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2028. We champion the Black Country, celebrate its people and communities and share our distinctive heritage, creating pride today and possibility for the future. Black Country Living Museum tells the story of one of Britain’s most influential regions through immersive experiences, historic buildings and a vibrant programme of events. As VisitEngland’s Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, the Museum continues to grow its reach and ambition — championing the Black Country, celebrating its people and communities, and sharing the region’s distinctive heritage with new audiences.
BCLM is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates the richness of the human experience. We are dedicated to eliminating bias and discrimination at every stage and encourage applicants to get in touch should they require reasonable adjustments during the interview process. We welcome applications from under‑represented groups and believe in providing equal opportunities for all qualified candidates. Our commitment to safeguarding includes implementing robust safer recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of individuals applying for roles that involve work with children and adults who may be at risk of harm.
Historic Character (Guides) in Dudley employer: Black Country Living Museum
At Black Country Living Museum, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates history and education. Our team enjoys generous benefits, including a contributory pension scheme, flexible work-life balance, and opportunities for personal growth within our award-winning 29-acre site. Join us in sharing the rich heritage of the Black Country while enjoying a supportive and inclusive environment that values every employee's contribution.
Contact Detail:
Black Country Living Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Historic Character (Guides) in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the museum and its history inside out! The more you understand about the Black Country and its rich heritage, the better you'll be at engaging with visitors. Dive into the stories of the characters you'll portray; it’ll make your presentations come alive!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Whether it's in front of a mirror or with friends, rehearse how you’ll share the educational content. Make it fun and interactive – remember, you want to captivate your audience and bring history to life!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current guides and staff at the museum. They can offer invaluable insights and tips on what works best when engaging with visitors. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role and make connections!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team and sharing the amazing stories of the Black Country!
We think you need these skills to ace Historic Character (Guides) in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for History:When you're writing your application, let your love for history shine through! Share any experiences or interests that connect you to the Black Country's rich heritage. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Be Engaging and Personable:Remember, this role is all about interacting with visitors. Use a friendly tone in your application and highlight any past experiences where you've engaged with different audiences. We’re looking for someone who can bring stories to life!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the job description. Mention specific skills or experiences that align with what we’re looking for, like presenting educational content or working with diverse groups. It shows us you’ve done your homework!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at BCLM!
How to prepare for a job interview at Black Country Living Museum
✨Know Your Characters
Familiarise yourself with the historic characters you'll be portraying. Research their backgrounds, lifestyles, and contributions to the Black Country. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also allow you to engage visitors with authentic stories.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll be delivering educational content, practice how you present it. Try rehearsing in front of friends or family, focusing on your tone, body language, and enthusiasm. The more engaging you are, the more likely visitors will connect with the history you're sharing.
✨Show Your Passion for History
During the interview, let your passion for history shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your love for the subject. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and make you a more appealing candidate for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the museum and its educational programmes. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also invested in the museum's mission. It’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to contributing positively to the team.
