Three children wearing high-vis vests and gloves crouch around the edge of a small shallow square-shaped archaeological trench, which they excavate with trowels. An adult archaeologist kneels at the other end of the trench.

Become a volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with YAC! Our 80+ YACs across the UK could not operate without the hard work and dedication of over 500 volunteers. On this page you can find plenty of information about volunteering with YAC.

YAC clubs are a great environment in which volunteers can develop team working, communication, organisation and facilitation skills while pursuing their interest in archaeology. As a YAC volunteer, you learn how to manage groups of young people, how to communicate well with people with a wide range of ages and abilities, how to safely plan and deliver exciting learning experiences; you develop your understanding of learning styles and abilities, health and safety, child protection and, last but not least, archaeology!

How can I volunteer with YAC?

YAC volunteers work at local clubs. Find out where your nearest club is on our interactive map and contact them to discuss what it’s like to be a YAC volunteer and whether they have any opportunities. Applications are only processed with the agreement of the Leader of the club to which you are applying.

Your local Leader will certainly want to meet you and is likely to invite you along to observe a session. If you and the Leader decide to go ahead, then you will need to send an application form to YAC HQ at the Council for British Archaeology. The local YAC Leader will share this with you once you are both happy to proceed.

What is the application process for volunteers?

YAC takes Child Protection seriously and asks all volunteers to go through a formal application process, which includes providing two references and undergoing an enhanced criminal record check. This is a standard procedure for most organisations that work with children and helps us ensure the safety of everyone involved. Once you have submitted your application form, the Leader and YAC staff will guide you through the rest of the process. 

The criminal record checking process differs slightly for each country of the UK. When the CBA receives your application, we will send out the appropriate paperwork to you, which you will need to complete with your local Leader. Our DBS checks in England and Wales are completed online using an umbrella body called Mayflower. If you are a member of the Disclosure and Barring Service’s Update Scheme (in England and Wales), or the PVG Scheme (in Scotland), then we will ask for your permission to request an update.

Can I still volunteer if there is no YAC branch near me?

If there is no club near you, you might like to consider setting up one of your own! Check out Set up a new club.

We also have two fully online YAC branches who welcome remote volunteers – Wales Online YAC and Scotland Online YAC.

Do I need to be an archaeologist to volunteer?

No – YAC volunteers come from all walks of life! To be a YAC volunteer you need enthusiasm for working with young people and the ability to be a good role model, an enthusiasm for archaeology, and the ability to work in a team. Oh, and some time to spare!

What support does YAC provide for volunteers?

Young Archaeologists’ Club policies, procedures and guidance are all available online in the Run a club area of our website.

YAC volunteers are very welcome to contact YAC HQ at the Council for British Archaeology for advice by email or phone. People who run YAC clubs can join our private Facebook group, where you can discuss any issues with other YAC leaders and volunteers, and can also sign up to our regular volunteers’ newsletter.

YAC provides First Aid and Child Protection training for volunteers in our CBA-managed clubs; we also organise bespoke face-to-face and online training sessions on a range of topics as funding allows. Recent topics have covered The Silk Road, osteoarchaeology, animation and supporting members and volunteers with disabilities.

I have a disability, can I still volunteer?

YAC welcomes volunteers with disabilities. Please get in touch with the volunteer team at your local club to find out more and discuss any adjustments they might need to make to help you access the sessions.

I’m 16, can I volunteer?

Yes, many of our clubs offer Young Leader roles from the age of 16. By volunteering with a local YAC club, you will develop loads of great skills to put on your CV or university application forms. You will be part of a team of other adults, overseen by a volunteer Branch Leader, and will help to plan and deliver archaeological activities, and to supervise the young people in the club. 

We are currently in the process of creating a Young Leaders Pathway, which will go spring 2026.

Where can I find a work experience placement?

We do not currently offer work experience placements at YAC HQ, as most of our work is behind the scenes! To find an archaeological work placement, a good place to start would be your local museum. You could also try your local council archaeologist or an archaeological unit.

An adult showing a young person some pieces of pottery.

YAC Assistant Role Description

Click the button below to see a role description for our YAC Assistants.

This covers:

  • What does a YAC Assistant do?

  • What tasks and activities does this involve?

  • What will you gain by being a YAC Assistant?

  • What are the requirements for becoming a YAC Assistant?

Please Note: that this may vary a little by branch.

Role Description