At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging tours and share powerful stories of naval history with visitors.
- Company: Join a unique programme commemorating the Battle of the Somme in France.
- Benefits: Enjoy accommodation, travel coverage, training, and a meaningful role at a historic site.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in the history field while living in France.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting people to important historical legacies.
- Qualifications: Confident communicator with a passion for WWI & WW2 history and storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Location: Thiepval Memorial & CWGC sites in France
Contract: Temporary (90 days)
Salary: £12.714 p/h
Hours: 35 per week, Mon - Sat
Dates: 1st June – 28th August 2026
Accommodation: Provided in Arras
The CWGF Guides Programme, delivered in partnership with Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, offers a unique chance to live and work in France during the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. We’re seeking people who will help illuminate the experiences of the sailors, marines, and people of the Royal Naval Division for the thousands of visitors from around the world. While having someone from a naval family or with a strong naval background (including veterans) is advantageous, we welcome applications from anyone who has the ability to research, interpret, and share these stories with visitors from around the world.
Responsibilities
- Welcome visitors primarily at Thiepval and the Beaurains Visitor Centre.
- Lead thoughtful tours that bring personal stories to life.
- Dive into the histories of naval personnel, turning your research into meaningful insights for visitors and digital audiences alike.
- Create content like blogs or short videos.
- Support outreach activities and learn to step into a team‑leader role.
- Help people connect with the legacy of those commemorated.
Qualifications
- Confident communicator comfortable engaging with diverse audiences.
- Strong avid interest in WWI & WW2 history.
- Enthusiastic about research, storytelling, and remembrance.
- Full driving licence helpful, but not essential.
- French language ability desirable, but not essential.
- Be able to commit to the 90 days in France.
- Eligible for a 90-day work visa within the Schengen area.
Benefits
- Annual leave.
- Accommodation in Arras.
- Travel to-and-from location covered.
- Training, support, and professional development.
- A meaningful role at one of the world’s most important world war sites.
- Life assurance and employee assistance.
- An excellent starting point for building a long‑term career in the history field.
How to Apply
If you believe your skillsets align with this opportunity, we welcome your application by clicking the apply now button. As this is an active role, we will be interviewing as we go along, and the role will close when we have a reasonable amount of applications suitable for the role.
We can only offer to people who have not travelled to the Schengen area in the last 180 days (since 3rd December 2025 onwards), and do not plan to travel to the Schengen area 180 days during and after this placement (up to 24th February 2027). We believe creating a diverse environment enriches our organisation and strengthens our mission, therefore, we welcome applications from everybody. Join our inclusive environment where every individual is valued.
Guide in Maidenhead employer: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Contact Detail:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Guide in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research the history of the Battle of the Somme and the stories of the sailors and marines. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Whether it’s through mock tours with friends or creating content like blogs, the more you engage with the material, the better you'll be at connecting with visitors.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with others in the field. Reach out to veterans or historians who can share insights and experiences. This could give you a unique edge and help you build valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re actively interviewing, so don’t wait too long – get your application in and show us what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Guide in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for History: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for WWI and WW2 history shine through. Share any personal stories or experiences that connect you to this period, as it’ll help us see your genuine interest in the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences without waffling on. This will help us quickly understand why you’re a great fit!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific responsibilities of the Guide role. Mention how your research and storytelling abilities can enhance visitor experiences at Thiepval and the Beaurains Visitor Centre.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Commonwealth War Graves Commission
✨Know Your History
Brush up on your knowledge of WWI and WWII, especially the naval aspects. Being able to discuss specific events or stories will show your passion and understanding of the subject, which is crucial for this role.
✨Engage with Your Audience
Practice how you would communicate with diverse groups. Think about how to make historical stories relatable and engaging. You might even want to prepare a short tour script to demonstrate your storytelling skills during the interview.
✨Show Your Research Skills
Be ready to discuss how you approach research and what methods you use to gather information. Highlight any previous experiences where you’ve turned research into engaging content, like blogs or videos, as this is a key part of the job.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be stepping into a team-leader role, share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams before. Emphasise your ability to collaborate and support others, as well as your enthusiasm for contributing to a meaningful cause.