Local Studies & Archives Internship
Trafford Council
Working Pattern: Part time
Working Arrangement: Monday to Friday 18.13 hours p/w.
Trafford can offer some flexibility regarding working days/rotas but 36.25 hours over 2 weeks (18.13 p/week) will need to be achieved. Some unsocial hours/weekend work may be required (Saturdays).
Fixed Term End Date: 30 March 2027.
Interview Date/Type: Week commencing 20 July / Face to face / Microsoft Teams
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. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.
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.
As Local Studies & Archive Intern, you’ll support the Local Studies team by delivering a high-quality service to customers. You’ll conduct research to help answer enquiries and assist customers with their own local history and genealogy research. Locating, retrieving and handling records and artefacts, you will help create displays within the centre in addition to preparing items for researchers. Working with collections such as Trafford’s Arts & Heritage collection and Historic Building Plans collection (c.1850-1989), you will help digitize and catalogue key items.
About You
Your style and approach will reflect Trafford’s values and behaviours: 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 an enthusiasm and receptiveness to learn new skills and knowledge.
Trafford Local Studies & Archives preserves, manages, and provides access to archive records which relate to the former towns and rural areas which, since 1974, make up the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford. Trafford’s collections include archival records created by organisations or institutions, business records, and personal papers. We also hold an art and heritage collection that is comprised of artefacts and works of art with links to the local area. The Trafford Local Studies centre (TLSC) is located on the ground floor of Waterside House, in Sale (M33 7ZF). Our facilities include a Reading Room for the purposes of archives research and study, along with a bank of public computers and both microfilm and microfiche readers. Our library stock specialises in local and regional history research, and is comprised of reference collections, lending stock, periodicals, and journals. We also hold an ever-increasing range of genealogical material to aid family history research, available both in print and online.
Our core office hours are 8.45am til 5.00pm, with staff operating on a 2 week rota system. This post is predominately office based with occasional offsite working for events.
Additional Information
This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.
Find Out More.
For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Matthew Wilkinson on 0161 912 1086 or matthew.wilkinson1@trafford.gov.uk
About us...
Trafford is 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 to 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. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.
What you'll love about working with us...
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:
- 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 programmes 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.
Key Information...
- Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
- Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
- Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council
Make an Impact. Apply Today.
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.
We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk
After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a short interview to learn more about your skills and experience.