Information About Our Partners FAQ

Diversity Apprenticeship Program

Preparator's Apprentice Nya Abudu packs a crate at the California African American Museum. (Photo by Kya Lou)

Information and Application Process

What does the DAP offer?

The DAP offers a nine-month, paid, full-time apprenticeship in preparation/art handling. We are especially committed to offering this opportunity to individuals from communities underrepresented on museum staffs and who are interested in building careers in art and cultural institutions.

The first month of the apprenticeship is a training period. During this time, you will learn a variety of skills, including how to pack, handle, and install artwork and artifacts. You will also learn how to maintain galleries, assist preparators (art handlers) and collections managers, properly use tools, and follow safety protocols. After this, you will rotate to at least three partner sites during the apprenticeship period. During this time, we will provide personalized support as you continue to build skills in art handling. You will also benefit from working closely with experienced mentors/supervisors and program staff, all of whom are committed to supporting your growth and skill development.

Together, apprentices will go on trips to museums and other cultural institutions. You will also have the opportunity to participate in career development workshops, such as resume and cover letter writing, and mock interviews. By the end of the nine months, you will be familiar with preparator and art handling practices. You will gain the skills and confidence needed for a career in this field. Throughout, apprentices will also provide feedback on their experience to help improve the program.

What is the application process?

To apply for the DAP, submit an application. The DAP application requires personal and contact information, three references (a combination of professional and personal references preferred), and written statements. The DAP application also includes an optional demographic survey. Declining to fill out this optional survey will not impact your chances of being selected.

Applications are then reviewed by program staff and partners. Your application is scored on several factors, including: Your potential for success as an apprentice, previous experience you may have highlighted in your application written statements, and your understanding and commitment to the values of equity and diversity.

Interviews — If selected, applicants then move on to a phone interview with one program staff member or partner. Those applicants who score well on phone interviews then move on to an in-person interview, which is conducted by a panel of program staff and partners. The interviews are additional opportunities for you to ask questions and get to know the program better, as well as for us to get to know you better.

Skills Tests — Applicants selected for in-person interviews will also be invited to take a basic math test online and in-person skills tests on the day of the interview.

Background Check — Selected candidates are required to pass a background check.

What does the DAP pay?

Pay for a preparator’s apprentice is $16 an hour. You will also be eligible for medical, vision, and dental benefits through The Broad for the duration of the apprenticeship. 

Who is eligible?

All applicants must be 18 and older to apply. All applicants must have work authorization in the form of a work permit, permanent residency, or citizenship. Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background and reference check.

What type of skills or experience should an apprentice have?

Some of the basic skills required to participate as an apprentice include:

  • Good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and spatial reasoning

  • Self-motivated, reliable, and focused

  • Ability to follow instructions and plan ahead

  • Basic math skills

  • Work well with supervisors and coworkers

  • Ability to perform physical tasks, including bending, kneeling, pulling, pushing, walking, standing for long periods of time, and lifting 50 pounds

We do not require previous preparator or art handler experience. Instead, we encourage those with a wide variety of experiences to apply. For example, the following may translate well to the apprenticeship: food handling or preparation; landscaping or gardening; carpentry; cosmetology or hair styling; plumbing; welding; painting; factory experience; sewing; equipment technician; electrician; automotive/ mechanic; tattoo artist; theater stagehand experience; maintenance work; housekeeping; construction (to cover drywall, tiling, roofing, etc.); arts and crafts; jewelry making; auto body work; waiting tables. Other experiences may also translate. We encourage you to think broadly about the skills and capacities you bring as an applicant. Please include these in your application statement. 

What are the commitments to participate in the DAP?

If selected for the DAP, participants must make a full-time commitment (40 hours per week) for the duration of the nine-month program (June 10, 2019 through March 6, 2020). Full-time students who are graduating before the start of the apprenticeship are eligible to apply. Preparator apprentices will typically work Monday through Friday during regular business hours. However, hours may vary depending on assignment and partner site. All activities and assignments take place in the greater Los Angeles area.

You must follow all policies and procedures as established by The Broad and its partner institutions during the apprenticeship. You will be working with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences, and you are expected to be respectful to the entire community.

You must participate in all program and assignment activities, including site-specific orientations, trainings, check-in meetings, conference opportunities, evaluation meetings, and special events.   

Hiring and Program Timeline

  • Application opens - February 11, 2019

  • Application deadline - April 5, 2019

  • Interviews and skill tests for selected applicants - April 22, 2019 - May 11, 2019

  • Selected applicants notified - Late May 2019

  • Apprenticeship start date - June 10, 2019

  • Apprenticeship end date - March 8, 2020

More Information

If you have questions or need more information about the Diversity Apprenticeship Program, please contact George Luna-Peña, DAP Program Manager, at 213.232.6260 or glunapena@thebroad.org. For a PDF copy of the DAP application, click here.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Broad is an equal opportunity employer and we aspire to reflect the diversity of Los Angeles in both our staff and visitors. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Broad believes that by actively building a workforce of the brightest people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, we can innovate, inspire and engage with the widest possible audience.

The Broad is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff and inclusive workplace. We encourage women, immigrants, people of color, Indigenous and Native peoples, returning citizens or those formerly incarcerated and LGBTQIA+ applicants to apply.

THE APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED.