Museum Guides and Demonstrators

Museum Guides and Demonstrators

Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Welcome visitors and introduce them to the Museum's collections while demonstrating printing techniques.
  • Company: Join the Norwich Printing Museum, a unique working printing museum in the UK.
  • Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, receive full training, and claim travel expenses.
  • Why this job: Engage with art, history, and people while learning valuable skills in a creative environment.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed; just a passion for learning and sharing knowledge.
  • Other info: Voluntary role with flexible hours during the open season, perfect for students and enthusiasts.

Role:
Guides welcome our visitors and give them a general introduction to the Museum and its collections. Demonstrators operate the Museum’s presses, bookbinding and printing equipment and explain them to visitors.

Who would it suit?

• Anyone with a knowledge of or background in printing, print-making, engineering, bookbinding or the book-arts, or
• Anyone who would like to learn to print, to hand-compose type, to use print-making equipment or to work with and maintain printing machinery, or
• Anyone comfortable and confident in meeting and talking to visitors, guiding them round exhibits, explaining their significance and dealing with queries which may arise, or
• Anyone with experience of teaching children, students or adults, or who would like to gain such experience.

What skills and experience are we looking for?

Volunteers should be able to work both independently and as part of a team. They should be keen to discover more about the exhibits and willing to share that knowledge appropriately with visitors. Good inter-personal skills are important. Knowledge of basic office administrative skills, social media, marketing or advertising, or experience of working or volunteering in a museum would be an advantage but are not essential.

What support will I be given?

Full training and induction will be given to each volunteer and volunteers are invited to additional training and update sessions at the start of each season to familiarise themselves with the displays, equipment and any changes. All volunteers are expected to follow Museum policies and guidance, as determined by the Norwich Printing Museum Trust, which works with the volunteers to give visitors the best possible experience. You will need to attend an induction session and to adhere to any National Trust policies while the Museum is at Blickling. Travel expenses can be claimed from the NT through their online portal. The role is purely voluntary and subject to a probationary period of three months to ensure that both the museum and the volunteer are happy.

Time commitment:
The museum is currently open to the public from 1 April to 28 September, Friday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm, with special events, classes and demonstrations held at other times during open-season.

About the organisation:
Norwich Printing Museum is a rarity, being one of the few remaining working printing museums in the UK. The museum was born from a collection of printing machinery, type and bindery equipment gathered by Jarrolds for their own printing museum (which closed in 2019). The Museum is now an independent charitable Trust and is seeking a permanent home for its collections. Meanwhile a working ‘Museum in Residence’ is open in one of the stables on the Blickling Estate (the Museum has plans to move to Norwich in late 2025).

How to apply:If you are interested in this role and would like to apply or would like more information, contact the Volunteer Hub at Merchants’ Place –
E: volhub@merchantsplace.co.uk
T: 01263 519454

Alternatively, you can complete an online registration form and your details will be sent to us directly. A link for the form can be found on our Volunteer Hub page on our website

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Museum Guides and Demonstrators employer: Museum Guides and Demonstrators VH282

The Norwich Printing Museum offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to engage with visitors while sharing their passion for printing and book arts in a supportive and enriching environment. With comprehensive training, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to develop teaching skills, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a historic setting. Located on the picturesque Blickling Estate, volunteers can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings while contributing to the preservation of printing heritage.
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Contact Detail:

Museum Guides and Demonstrators VH282 Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Museum Guides and Demonstrators

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the history and significance of the exhibits at the Norwich Printing Museum. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence when interacting with visitors but also enhance their experience as you guide them through the collections.

✨Tip Number 2

Consider volunteering for a few hours at similar venues or events to gain experience in guiding and demonstrating. This hands-on practice will help you develop your interpersonal skills and make you more comfortable in a visitor-facing role.

✨Tip Number 3

Engage with the museum's social media platforms. By following and interacting with their posts, you can stay updated on current events and exhibitions, which will be useful when discussing the museum with potential visitors.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current volunteers or staff members at the museum. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to excel in your application and during your time as a volunteer.

We think you need these skills to ace Museum Guides and Demonstrators

Knowledge of Printing Techniques
Bookbinding Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Public Speaking
Teaching Experience
Teamwork
Independent Working
Customer Service
Communication Skills
Basic Office Administrative Skills
Social Media Proficiency
Marketing Knowledge
Adaptability
Enthusiasm for Learning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Museum Guide and Demonstrator. Familiarise yourself with the museum's collections and the skills required for guiding visitors and operating printing equipment.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience or skills in your CV that align with the role. If you have a background in printing, bookbinding, or teaching, make sure to emphasise these experiences to show your suitability for the position.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for the role and the museum. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to engage with visitors, as well as your willingness to learn about the exhibits.

Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow the application instructions carefully. If applying online, complete the registration form accurately and provide all requested information. Double-check for any additional documents that may be required.

How to prepare for a job interview at Museum Guides and Demonstrators VH282

✨Show Your Passion for Printing

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for printing and bookbinding during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects related to these fields, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Prepare to Engage with Visitors

Since the role involves interacting with visitors, practice how you would introduce the museum and its collections. Think of engaging ways to explain exhibits and be ready to answer questions that might arise.

✨Highlight Your Teaching Experience

If you have experience teaching or guiding others, be sure to mention it. Discuss specific examples where you successfully communicated complex information in an understandable way, as this is a key skill for the role.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

The museum values volunteers who can work both independently and as part of a team. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, showcasing your ability to contribute positively to a team environment.

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