Museum sees 600 apply for 12 jobs

A dozen part-time jobs have been filled by the Black Country Living Museum after bosses whittled down 600 applications to fill the posts.

Bosses at the attraction in Tipton Road said they were stunned by the response when they advertised the casual roles involving duties from tram driving to serving up fish and chips.

It follows seven workers taken on last year as the museum's multi-million pound expansion takes shape.

The jobs, which pay just above the minimum wage at rates of around £6 an hour, attracted a wide range of applicants suffering in the recession including graduates fresh out of university, former Woolworths staff, workers with experience in the car industry, plumbers and ex-bosses.

Several of those who have made the grade have retired from white collar jobs. A retired policeman, lecturer and teacher are among the new recruits.

Museum staff said an injection of new blood was needed following the recent opening of a new fish and chip shop, garage and visitor park.

More new buildings are planned as part of the 1930s high street Old Birmingham Road being installed through the £10 million Streets Ahead project. Spokeswoman Fiona Carding said: "The museum has expanded and opened a number of new exhibits which have created the need for additional staff.

"We particularly welcomed applications from candidates interested in tram driving.

"It is a job like no other and draws on their knowledge of the Black Country as well as skills attained throughout their professional working lives.

"One day they may be driving the tram or serving behind the counter in Morrall's Gentlemen's Outfitters and the next day they may be interpreting the past to a group of school children."