CILIP is delighted to announce the world’s first Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Level 3 Apprentices. Not only is this is a huge achievement for the apprentices but also represents a significant milestone for the information workforce.

This apprenticeship was designed by an employer-led trailblazer group, supported by CILIP and ARA (The Archives and Records Association), to open up an alternative route into the profession, allowing employers to attract and retain from a wider pool of talent. Apprenticeships are a blend of formal learning and on-the-job training, providing the apprentices great opportunities to apply skills and knowledge in practice.

CILIP Pathways director, Jo Cornish said “we are incredibly proud to provide end-point assessment for this standard. We congratulate each of the apprentices on their achievement. We know that having completed their apprenticeship, they are continuing their careers equipped with a high level of skills and knowledge. This is great news for them and for the information profession. We wish them all every future success”

For Zeba Qayyum one of this first cohort who now has a permanent role within Westminster Libraries, “This has been a great opportunity to learn about the sector through the eyes of library users as well as colleagues. It's a more accessible way to learn as I was being paid a wage while learning, working four days and having one day for study. And there's no age limit to apply. I have found out more about other people’s reading needs. I work at a library in an area with a high volume of social housing where I see people who without the library would experience loneliness so my branch is a hub and a place for people to meet."

Zeba intends to continue her personal development within the sector initially looking at short courses and visiting different types of library to see what they offer. She has already been to the Barbican Music Library and the National Art Library and next on her list are The Feminist and Wellcome Libraries.

To find out more, or to register your apprentices with CILIP Pathways, please contact epa@cilip.org.uk.