This event was created by the Council for British Archaeology’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB), a group of twelve 18-25 year olds from across the UK who are passionate about making archaeology more inclusive, relevant, and accessible.
It was designed by young people, for young people, ensuring that the day was full of fun activities as well as getting hands-on practical guidance about the archaeology and heritage sector.
This event was created by the YAB and funded by Historic England in response to the growing demand in UCAS applications and apprenticeships schemes to have practical knowledge of the career or course they are interested in. However, with the extinction of the Archaeology A-Level and the increasing inaccessibility of community excavations or volunteering experiences, the likelihood of young people gaining meaningful experience in the sector has become very difficult. This event also encouraged people who may have had a previous negative experience when trying to navigate their journey into the sector to apply. In the YAB, we are passionate about accessibility and believe everyone should feel welcome in the heritage sector – regardless of background, study subjects, or previous knowledge about archaeology.
In addition, it was clear to the YAB that such events are often not hosted in regions such as the North East of England, and so this event was kindly hosted by the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle. We had a large proportion of local young people attend, as well as some who travelled from across the country to take part.
On the day, we hosted a series of four exciting hands-on activities facilitated by experts in their field, including: zooarchaeology (animal bones), archaeological illustration, museum curation and landscape survey skills. There were also opportunities to hear archaeologists from diverse fields share insights into their careers during a panel discussion, and to network with them in an informal session. The day ended with a guided photography tour of historic sites across Newcastle.
We covered various aspects throughout the day — from landscape survey tools and conservation methodologies in heritage to creative interpretation and wellbeing, and, most importantly, how to get involved with archaeology in your own way. Whether you’re into science, art, history or storytelling, there is a career in archaeology waiting for you to find!
Wondering how it would have felt to be there on the day? Watch our recap video and hear from the hosts and the participants:
We are compiling the event booklet, workshop resources, and a self-guided Newcastle walking tour based on our photo trail – everything you need to engage with the day's activities in your own time. Check back soon or sign up to the CBA’s Young Associate Network to receive a reminder via the email newsletter once all resources have been uploaded!
“For me personally, this project was especially important due to it being held in Newcastle at the Great North Museum: Hancock. I strive to advocate for more funding, opportunities and access to experiences in the North East, which despite its incredible heritage lacks equivalent accessible opportunities compared to other regions in the country. The GNM is where my love for history began with regular day trips with my Grandma, to completing placements whilst at Newcastle University, then to getting my first paid collections-based job there. It was incredible to see and hear how beneficial Unearthing Futures was to the participants on the day, and I hope similar experiences become available for young people of the North East in the future”.
“Having co-created the Youth Advisory Board from its inception, this event was a capstone project for many of us founding YAB members, and therefore a project close to our hearts. What began as fragmentary ideas during a brainstorming session at the CBA's York office in September 2024 was slowly developed and shaped through months of planning into the successful day you see here. We wanted to create an event that was meaningful and practical, but above all, enjoyable and accessible. The day exceeded our expectations, marked by exceptional engagement from participants throughout, generous support from professionals across the sector, and encouraging feedback from attendees and their families. We hope the upcoming digital resources will extend the project's legacy, allow those who missed the event or found out about it later to engage with the material, and provide a framework for the next generation of youth engagement projects in archaeology and heritage”.
“Unearthing Futures was an amazing project to work on with everyone and seeing it all come together was an amazing experience. Being there on the day and seeing how the environment and space was so positive, welcoming and accessible to other young people was incredibly rewarding and something we had all really hoped for. Being able to show young people that archaeology and heritage is something that they can use in so many different ways in terms of their career or more personal goals was incredibly rewarding. Along with the upcoming digital resources we hope that this project can continue to make more young people feel supported and excited to continue their journeys in exploring and understanding Archaeology and Heritage”
"It has been an amazing experience to be part of YAB in co-creating the Unearthing Future project. Being on the team since the early stages of developing the idea, it has been really special to see the whole project come together and finally run smoothly on the day. Being able to welcome all the young people and introducing them to the many possible routes to get involved with archaeology was really fulfilling. Continuing the project's legacy and welcoming those who couldn’t join us on the day, we will create digital resources available on the website. We hope these resources will be helpful, and more similar events will become more accessible to young people."
The Great North Museum: Hancock have kindly provided the venue and support for this event free of charge for which we are incredibly greatful.
Unearthing Futures is funded by Historic England.
Our Youth Advisory Board is funded by Historic England and The Headley Trust.