Meet Historic Environment Advice Assistant Sacha Langdale Smith
My journey into heritage began with a degree in History. I loved learning about the people before us and what life was like hundreds of years ago. This sparked an interest in buildings and castles in their glory days.
I wanted to be a teacher but grew an interest in public history. I was fascinated by the depth of heritage in the city of Leicester and that people got to work with these buildings every day! This inspired me to focus on the built environment instead.
I did fundraising work experience with the Canal & River Trust, which exposures me to the industrial heritage of the Midlands and the North. I found out about historic building conservation and decided to learn more. I also worked at a National Trust site, which further stoked my passion for history and the built environment.
Many of the jobs I wanted asked for practical work experience, which I didn’t have. So when I found apprenticeships at Historic England, I was so excited I applied to every single one! The opportunity to work with the people who wrote the research and guidance I was using for my previous studies; too good to turn down.
The application process was quite fun; instead of submitting my CV, I could write about my love of the historic environment. I had fun chatting with my potential colleagues. After I had excitedly accepted a role in Historic England’s Cambridge office, my line manager reached out to me and helped me with recommendations about moving to Cambridgeshire.
I felt so welcome with the listing team. One of my first conversations was about witch marks in caves; and everyone joined in. I had found my tribe of history and archaeology nerds. Despite how busy they were, everyone made time to answer my questions and help me settle.
I felt so welcome with the listing team. One of my first conversations was about witch marks in caves; and everyone joined in.
My apprenticeship has seen me working in the listing team, sifting new applications. I've even worked on the list entries themselves, writing minor amendments. I've also been asked to develop my knowledge of parks and gardens - a completely new area to me. I'm also looking forward to learning more about this subject in our taught course at Strode College.
I'll also be working in development advice and partnerships in the future; an exciting opportunity to learn about the work of different departments and meet more people. I'm also intending to do a placement at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.
One of the challenges I have experienced so far was adapting to a new work routine and living somewhere completely new. I wasn't as comfortable in my surroundings as I could have been. However, the team was really helpful in getting me to settle in.
So far, I would say my greatest success is getting to write listing advice! I didn’t think I would be trusted with this kind of responsibility so soon, so I am grateful for that chance and the guidance that has been offered to me.
My greatest success is getting to write listing advice! I didn’t think I would be trusted with this kind of responsibility.
Anyone starting their career in heritage should consider this apprenticeship - regardless of the level they start at. Historic England is a fantastic place to develop your skills and knowledge, and the team offers great support. The work is also fun and often rewarding as you have a chance to make a genuine impact on the historic environment.
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