Testimonials - Black Country Living Museum

EMPLOYEE TESTIMONIALS

“I fit the Museum and the Museum fits me”

With our ever-growing BCLM family, our undeniable passion for celebrating values and building a dynamic workplace is stronger than ever. Here at the Museum, we pride ourselves on creating a safe working environment where employees can be inspired by their work and be passionate about building a career they are proud of, with endless opportunities.

Hear below from some of our BCLM employees and learn about their inspiring stories so far.

simon

Researcher

Simon is a Researcher here at BCLM and has recently finished his PhD and written a book! After moving to the Black Country 10 years ago, he started out at the Museum on a 3-month contract and is still here 6 years on, successfully managing his freelance work with his career at the Museum. His work pattern at the Museum has enabled Simon to balance many aspects of his life, including his career, studies, and writing.

“Since starting at the Museum it has opened a variety of options for me.”

“I work here 3-days a week because I’ve been studying, which has worked well for me as I can focus on freelance work too.”

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manahil

collections project assistant

Manahil started out in her career by taking on several volunteering roles and placements throughout her degree. The Museum has been able to provide flexibility that suits Manahil, as she is able to work here and at another Museum. As well as this, she also feels the Museum is an understanding and relatable place to work as they have been very accommodating around her health and lifestyle.

“It’s really flexible and moulds around my life, instead of me moulding around the job.”

“In previous jobs they’ve never been understanding but here they allow me to work from home or rest. They understand and relate.”

“If I have any personal issues, they’re very accommodating”

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Chris

Animal handler

Being born and bred in the Black Country, Chris has always had a love for animals especially horses. He was delighted that he could spend the last leg of his career working as an animal carer for the Museum. The job was ideal for Chris and he believes the museum is a unique opportunity for everyone.

“Management is very good. They have supported me with my work”

“You can learn so much from all the different people and it’s a very friendly place to work.”

“I’ve always worked with horses and my family has always had horses; it was mainly a hobby so to now do this as my job is amazing.”

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joe

grounds maintenance

Through the Kick-Start Scheme, the Museum was able to get Joe started in an area of work that he enjoyed, as a heritage gardener. After
the scheme ended, he was offered an apprenticeship and was able to continue working with the Museum. Joe is now hoping to carry on his work at the Museum and become a senior heritage gardener.

“They have really supported me – I am hoping to become a senior gardener.”

“‘I was on the [Kick-start] scheme looking for jobs like this and this job was the most suitable for me”

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jordan

motor mechanic

Jordan began his apprenticeship at the Museum after college. Prior to this, he had only worked on modern mechanics. Jordan’s wealth of
knowledge and love for heritage cars has been developed through working here at the Museum. Through 8 years of hard work his part time job that allowed him to work and study is now his full-time employment, and this job will eventually see Jordan's journey go full circle and begin teaching apprentices just as he once was.

“This job as this job has given me so much knowledge.”

“Great work environment at the museum.”

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janet

historic character

Having retired from being a bookkeeper for 45 years, Janet joined the Museum as a volunteer with no experience but a simple interest in being around people. Her spirit and passion for telling stories was soon noted and she secured a paid role and a second career. Now, Janet works as a Historic Character informing our visitors and particularly school children, all about the Museum’s historic buildings. She has even taken part in the Museum’s TikTok channel.

“I did get the job in 2019 and I’ve never looked back, I absolutely love it. I wish I had done this 10 years ago."

“You go from 18-year-olds to 80-year-olds and we’re all in it together. Everyone accepts everyone for their quirks.”

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kirsty

food and drink manager

Kirsty couldn't imagine getting a job as cool or as awesome as at Black Country Living Museum. However, Kirsty soon realised this was not the case and she became part of the family instantly. Before her time at the Museum, Kirsty had qualified as a Veterinary Nurse but realised it wasn’t for her. She also had her own cake making business. She now works as a Food and Drink Manager and feels the Museum is a family as well as a workplace for her.

“I felt when I started at the Museum, that - it sounds really cheesy but - that I was meant to be here.”

“I just love it here. I fit the Museum and the Museum fits me.”

“It’s a flexible place to work, It just doesn’t feel like going to work, it’s like being with friends and family.”

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jack

food and drink team

Jack commenced his journey with the BCLM as a casual colleague, but soon secured a part-time permanent role working within our Food & Drink team. The Museum was able to accommodate Jack’s teacher training studies and provide flexibility for him to pursue these whilst continuing with his work.

“I’ve been born and bred in the Black Country and it’s nice to be somewhere that embraces our heritage.

“They offer a great flexible workplace when I would study and need days off I would 10 times out of 10 get the day off because the BCLM understood my
degree was important.”

“Work doesn’t feel like work if you enjoy what you do.”

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levi

food and drink team

Levi wanted a convenient part-time job that could fit in alongside his media production degree. The Museum was able to provide Levi with this opportunity, working in our historic Hobbs Fish and Chip Shop. After joining the Museum, he was able to take on an additional role as a Museum Filming Assistant during the filming of Peaky Blinders at the Museum.

“They are very flexible. They are very helpful with my own career-based work or if I needed time off for Uni.”

“They always look after me, I have no complaints.”

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