Local Studies & Archives Internship

About the role

We currently have an exciting internship within Trafford's Local Studies & Archives team. For those who want to work with interesting and varied collections, who have an interest in gaining hands-on experience in the archive sector, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Whether you're a recent graduate, current student or someone considering a career in the sector, this internship offers candidates an opening to gain invaluable career experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the Local Studies team by delivering a high-quality service to customers.
• Conduct research to help answer enquiries and assist customers with their own local history and genealogy research.
• Locate, retrieve and handle records and artefacts, helping to create displays within the centre and prepare items for researchers.
• Help digitize and catalogue key items from collections such as Trafford's Arts & Heritage collection and Historic Building Plans collection (c.1850-1989).

Requirements

• Ability to work well in a team as well as independently on tasks.
• Able to learn and follow procedures while maintaining a high attention to detail.
• Sound communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• A genuine interest in archival practice, procedures, and policies.
• An enthusiasm and receptiveness to learn new skills and knowledge.

Qualifications

Your style and approach will reflect Trafford's values and behaviors: you will need the ability to work well in a team as well as independently on tasks. Be capable of learning and following procedures whilst displaying a high attention to detail. You will be able to demonstrate sound communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate key information clearly to customers and colleagues. You will need to show a genuine interest in archival practice, procedures, and policies in addition to an enthusiasm and receptiveness to learn new skills and knowledge.

Skills

• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of archival practices and procedures.

Benefits

Generous leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.

Flexible perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family-friendly policies and hybrid working.

Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.

Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programs like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership, and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.

Wellbeing first: Guided wellbeing walks and "Tea and Talk" sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.

Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let's Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.

Be celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas, and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers' scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.

Pay

The pay for this position is £18.13 per hour, paid weekly.

Schedule

The working pattern is part-time, with a fixed term end date of 30 March 2027. The working arrangement is Monday to Friday, 18.13 hours per week, with some flexibility regarding working days/rosters. A total of 36.25 hours over 2 weeks (18.13 per week) will need to be achieved. Some unsocial hours/weekend work may be required (Saturdays).

SMART Working

We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes.

Interview Date/Type

The interview date is week commencing 20 July, and it will be conducted via face-to-face meeting using Microsoft Teams.

Additional Information

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.

About Us

We are a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We're a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues, and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford?

We're more than just a local authority; we're a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries, and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us create a borough where all our "residents, businesses, and communities thrive."

Our Culture

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They're not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day. They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best.

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