CILIP Pathways and The National Archives are delighted to announce that CILIP Pathways has been commissioned to develop the end-point assessor organisation process for the new Level 7 Archivist and Records Manager apprenticeship standard. The Level 7 apprenticeship will open up a new technical training route into the archives sector and will be equivalent to the Master’s degree typically required to become an archivist or records manager. Apprentices will receive 20% formal learning and 80% on-the-job training, meaning that they can achieve a high-level qualification while working and earning. This opportunity will enable a wider range of people to join the recordkeeping profession.

CILIP Pathways is experienced in providing high-quality end-point assessment services for apprenticeships in the Library, Archive, Record, Information and Knowledge Management sector. CILIP Pathways is an independent subsidiary trading arm of CILIP and is staffed by experts in the library, information and knowledge sector. CILIP Pathways has a team of qualified independent assessors, and is committed to diversifying routes into the sector.

CILIP Pathways director, Jo Cornish said ‘We are delighted to be working with The National Archives to develop the Level 7 Archivist and Records Manager apprenticeship. This is a great step forward in creating an inclusive and accessible way into the high-level roles within the archive sector.’

Alongside the end-point assessment, The National Archives is leading on the development of the other elements of the new apprenticeship. In 2021, the apprenticeship standard was finalised by a trailblazer group from across the sector and was approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). Having appointed CILIP Pathways as the end-point assessor organisation, the next step for The National Archives will be to confirm training providers for the apprenticeship’s formal learning component.

Jeff James, Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives, said: ‘We are delighted that CILIP Pathways are collaborating with us on the new Level 7 apprenticeship as they bring substantial knowledge and expertise with them. We are aware that for many people it has been difficult to find an access route into the archive sector. This is a tangible step towards providing access and will lead to a richer, more creative and diverse workforce who have the skills to care for our nation’s heritage.’

The Archives and Records Association (ARA) also welcomes the appointment of CILIP Pathways as the end-point assessor organisation. ARA was an instrumental member of the apprenticeship trailblazer group, working with partners to shape this important new career route. Once the apprenticeship scheme has launched, ARA will support CILIP Pathways through the identification of individual assessors.

John Chambers, ARA Chief Executive said: ‘This is an important step forward, which we hope will help to diversify our workforce. CILIP Pathways is recognised in the sector as a credible organisation, with the resource to deliver this critical aspect of the new apprenticeship. We look forward to working with CILIP Pathways and The UK National Archives to roll out these apprenticeships as soon as possible.’