Macy Gaines

I’m currently studying as an apprentice on the Level 3 Cultural Participation Officer course at WAES. Alongside my studies, I work as an Inclusion Assistant for the University of Cambridge Museums, where I help design and deliver inclusive programming for a variety of audiences, including blind and partially sighted individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and SEND groups.

Before starting my apprenticeship, I worked in both healthcare and education roles however they didn’t align with my lifelong dream of working in the museum sector. Working in mental health and schools taught me how to communicate effectively, adapt to the needs of different people, and recognise the vital role that cultural institutions can play in promoting mental well-being. These roles also gave me a unique perspective on inclusion, preparing me to work with diverse groups in my current role. They instilled in me the understanding that museums are more than just places to visit they’re spaces for connection, learning, and healing.

I’ve been passionate about museums for as long as I can remember hence, inspired by weekly childhood visits to my local museum. Those visits fostered a love for history, storytelling, and the way museums can connect people to the past. Over the years, I’ve continued this passion, visiting countless museums across Europe. My travels have taken me to a variety of heritage sites, and my favourites are almost always those that feature displays of dodo bones, my favourite animal! So much so that my bathroom is entirely dodo themed.

I applied for this course because it combines my love of museums with my goal to create accessible and inclusive spaces for all. I’ve always been passionate about making cultural institutions more open and welcoming, and this course offered the perfect opportunity to gain both practical skills and theoretical knowledge to achieve that. Traditional university wasn’t the right fit for me, and this course has been a breath of fresh air. It allows me to integrate what I’m learning directly into my day-to-day work. The apprenticeship model has given me the chance to build confidence and grow in a way that feels more meaningful than traditional classroom learning.

The course covers a broad range of topics, including fundraising, community engagement, and project management. Each element ties directly into my role, which makes the learning incredibly practical and relevant. My favourite part has been the collaborative environment. My peers come from such diverse workplaces, from arts organisations to educational settings, and hearing their perspectives on the same topics has been eye-opening. These discussions have enriched my understanding of how cultural participation can look very different depending on the context, which has been a highlight of the course.

Balancing work, study, and personal life has sometimes been a challenge. To manage this, I’ve developed strong time-management skills, setting clear priorities and breaking tasks into manageable steps, which has helped me stay on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed. The support of my tutors, colleagues, and my partner, Noah, has been invaluable. Their belief in me and constant encouragement has kept me motivated during busy or stressful periods.

I couldn’t be happier with my role as an Inclusion Assistant at the University of Cambridge Museums. It’s a privilege to collaborate with passionate teams who share the goal of making museums more inclusive. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the variety of programs I get to be involved in. From Touch Tours for blind and partially sighted visitors to a dance pilot program for people affected by Parkinson’s, there’s so much incredible work happening.

When I finish this course, I aim to continue my work in museum inclusion, with a focus on creating innovative and meaningful programs for underrepresented and marginalised communities. My ultimate goal is to work in Holocaust education, using my skills to share stories of resilience and humanity, combat prejudice, and foster a deeper understanding of this critical period in history. I feel more confident than ever that I can make a tangible impact in the cultural sector and work toward my long-term aspiration of combining museum inclusion with Holocaust education to promote empathy, education, and remembrance.

If, like me, traditional university didn’t feel like the right fit, this course could be exactly what you need. It’s immersive, practical, and incredibly rewarding. You’ll not only develop your skills but also build confidence and discover how to create meaningful connections with diverse audiences.