arts+Council+England'>Arts Council England (Ace) funding has helped the launch of a new training scheme aimed at addressing the challenges facing professionals involved in education in the museum, heritage and cultural sectors.

Organised by the museums'>Group for Education in Museums (GEM), the courses will take place at the body’s new Learning & Sharing Centre (LSC), which was set up last year thanks to a £168,000 ACE grant.

The LSC helps to equip museums professionals with the skills to educate through a range of face-to-face meetings, workshops and online digital resources. It also helps to develop distance learning courses and set up a new online signpost to help staff find relevant training opportunities.

The new courses include foundation, intermediate and advanced levels. In the foundation course, trainees will be taught effective engagement for practitioners and volunteers in the early stages of their career in the museum sector. At intermediate level, five new courses will support the professional development of mid-career museum, heritage and cultural educators. At the highest level, people in leadership position will be taught about managing museum educators and their activities.

“GEM’s new training courses are providing museum professionals at all CPD levels with the skills they need to face future challenges,” Dr John Stevenson, GEM CEO. “It is vital that the heritage and cultural sector has a workforce which is inspired, motivated and innovative, and has the highest standard of best professional practice. GEM is now leading the way by developing an ambitious suite of continuing professional development opportunities for people at all stages in their careers.”