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8 May 2007

Egypt Centre employee shortlisted for Swansea Bay Young Achiever Award

A local man who gained full-time employment at Swansea University ’s Egypt Centre, after overcoming learning and speech difficulties, has been shortlisted in this year’s Swansea Bay Young Achiever Awards.

Peter Jones, 25, from Morriston, who first became involved with the museum of Egyptian antiquities as a volunteer worker in 2001, was nominated in the World of Work category by staff at the Egypt Centre and the Pathways Training Scheme at Neath Port Talbot College.

Peter took up his paid post as a Gallery Assistant at the Centre in 2003, with support funding from the Work Steps Scheme. His role involves welcoming some of the Centre’s 20,000 visitors each year and assisting with the delivery of the educational programme for visiting schools.

He also helps to ensure the security of the museum, which comprises over 4,000 items displayed over two floors, including jewellery, pottery, and sarcophagi (coffins).

Wendy Goodridge, the Egypt Centre’s Assistant Curator, said: “Peter has achieved a tremendous amount working at the Centre, especially building communication skills and confidence. He is a huge asset, and the letters and emails we regularly receive praising his contribution to a positive museum experience for visitors is testament to this.

“Peter is cheerful, hard-working, and extremely committed to his job, with an enthusiasm and imagination for Egyptology that shines through to others. He is an inspiration to us all.”

Peter Roberts of Neath Port Talbot College, said: “Peter joined on a Pathways Training Scheme with no formal qualifications and limited hope of finding a worthwhile career. But we have watched him develop and mature from a nervous 18 year old, into a budding expert in ancient history, becoming a full-time member of staff at the Egypt Centre in Swansea University.

“His unwavering determination and hard work has ensured he has overcome his problems and he is now successfully contributing and serving the population of Swansea and its tourist trade. We wish him every success for his future.”

In addition to his daily work as a Gallery Assistant, Peter studies aspects of Egyptology and Egyptian Material Culture and he also attends masterclasses at the University as part of his ongoing training.

And he has also worked through a challenging undergraduate student level textbook, called ‘Gardiners’ Egyptian Grammar, which helps him to read and understand Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Peter said: “I was really surprised when I was told I had been shortlisted for this award, but I am very pleased and proud. I really enjoy my work at the Egypt Centre and the opportunities my role has given me to learn more about the history of ancient Egypt . I really love my job.”

The Swansea Bay Young Achiever Awards are organised by Bay in Business and sponsored by Wales and West Utilities. The awards ceremony, hosted by former Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable, will take place on Wednesday, June 27 at Margam Orangery, Margam Park .

Swansea University ’s Egypt Centre consists of part of the collection of the pharmacist Sir Henry Wellcome from the turn of the century. The Centre, which is split into the House of Life and the House of Death, is open to the public and is free of charge.

Picture: Peter Jones leads a session with a visiting school party, explaining ancient Egyptian materials in the Centre's House of Life.

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