Schools & Education · Oxford
Young people in Oxford offered behind-the-scenes museum work experience
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The Oxfordshire Museum and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum are seeking young people for professional placement roles as part of this year's national Takeover Day.
Young people living in Oxfordshire have the chance to gain professional experience in the heritage sector as two Woodstock museums open their doors for this year's national Takeover Day.
The Oxfordshire Museum and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum are participating in the initiative, which allows participants to go behind the scenes and experience the daily life of museum professionals. The event, scheduled for Friday 20 November 2026, focuses on careers and aims to provide practical insight into the sector.
Four roles are available across the two sites, specifically as social media assistants and front of house assistants. Organisers hope the day will help participants develop transferable skills useful for future study and employment while raising the profile of careers in heritage.
Jemma Davey, Oxfordshire County Council’s Museum Service Manager, said: "This is our second year taking part in Kids in Museums Takeover Day. At Oxfordshire Museum Service, we are committed to giving young people opportunities to gain new skills and learn more about the heritage sector as a career option."
The project, run by the charity Kids in Museums, has engaged more than 40,000 young people since its inception in 2010. For the Woodstock event, directors aim to listen to fresh perspectives on their galleries and encourage long-term engagement with local heritage.
Ursula Corcoran, Director of the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, said: "It will be a perfect opportunity to hear directly from young people about our museum and listen to their thoughts on the galleries as they spend the day immersed in the daily life of a small independent museum."
The opportunity is open to anyone aged 25 or under currently residing in Oxfordshire. Reasonable travel expenses for those selected to take part in the programme will be covered by the organisers.
Those interested in applying for one of the four roles are required to submit an expression of interest via email, marking the correspondence for the attention of Laura Dean. The deadline for all applications is Sunday 8 November 2026.
Source: Oxfordshire County Council · View original