Small occupation size means opportunities scarce
Chances of getting a job as an exhibition and collections technician are poor because it's a small occupation and few full-time jobs are available.
Many exhibition and collections technicians work on short-term contracts, sometimes for a number of galleries or museums. People on contracts may struggle to find regular work and may only be able to work part time as exhibition technicians.
Opportunities for people starting out as exhibition and collections technicians are particularly hard to come by as the work tends to stay in the hands of established, experienced workers.
According to the Census, 189 exhibition and collections technicians worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Networking and being adaptable key to finding roles
A good way of gaining experience is to work as an assistant to an established exhibition and collections technician, or work as casual labour on a project.
Industrial design in higher demand
Museums and film production companies need exhibition and collections technicians who can create props and models for displays and film sets. Exhibition and collections technicians who have industrial design degrees and model-making expertise are in demand to do this work.
Types of employers varied
Most exhibition and collections technicians work for:
- museums
- art galleries
- exhibition design and construction companies
- art and design schools.
They may also work for theatres or film production companies.
Some exhibition and collections technicians are self-employed and work as contractors to museums or galleries.
