Glen Cruikshank: Glasgow Museums

​"Look into the different roles that are available, not every role is about the objects on display, as I used to think"
 
Glen, Junior Digital Technician, Modern Apprentice at Glasgow Museums talks about his career in the Creative & Cultural sector.

When did you decide that you wanted to work within the Creative and Cultural Industries and what influenced that decision?
I mentioned to my college tutor that I had an interest in working in museums and she organised a tour of the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre as she knew someone who worked there. While there, I learned the different roles and departments that make up Glasgow Museums and I made a plan.
 
What did your career path look like?
As I don’t have many qualifications and pursuing a further education in college and/or university didn’t interest me, an apprenticeship seemed like a good fit. I looked for apprenticeships that were Admin or IT focused as I knew that’s where my skills lay. The Digital Technician role seemed a good fit for me as it was working with IT within museums, which was the sector that interested me. For my apprenticeship, I received the necessary training through QA, which meant while learning on the job I also attended a handful of 1 to 2 week long courses in both year 1 and 2 of my apprenticeship. These courses taught me skills I could use in my current role and skills I can also transfer to future IT jobs.
 
Describe a typical day in your working life...
My role is split into the physical install on hardware and film editing. This includes configuring devices that will be used for the digital display points and organising all screens and cables needed for displays. I have also been given the opportunity to work on the films.
 
What qualifications and experience are necessary for your role?
As my role is a Modern Apprenticeship, I receive the necessary training and qualifications as I work. My interview for my role was more of a chance to gauge me as a person and my interest in working and learning with Glasgow Museums.
 
Advice
Look into the different roles that are available, not every role is about the objects on display, as I used to think.