Claire Laybats, Professional Services Development Manager reflects on four years of apprenticeship assessment at CILIP Pathways, with input from some of the apprentices.

Our aims from the start were to encourage diversity and to create new pathways into the sector. We worked with employers on a trailblazer group to develop and launch the Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Apprenticeship Standard.

This apprenticeship has now been running for 4 years, and in that time over 200 people have successfully achieved the standard.

What we have seen is a host of talented individuals developing their expertise in the sector, actively contributing to their teams and going on to develop their careers and professionalism through the CILIP professional registration award programme.

We recently went back to our past apprentices to find out where they were and how the apprenticeship had helped them.

From the apprentice's themselves

"I have progressed to become a library manager the same branch I was a library assistant at. The level 3 apprenticeship definitely helped me on the journey to becoming a manager, increasing my knowledge, skills and confidence along the way. It is valued by my employer and I have since managed a staff member who is undertaking their apprenticeship," MH, Library Manager.

"The apprenticeship gave me good knowledge and experience that I have been able to use in my daily work and interviews. I am currently working a 6 month secondment library manager role, a step up from library assistant and I am currently studying for an MA in Library and Information Management," JH, Student.

"It really helped me to build confidence through all of the knowledge and skills gained on the course. The course pushed me outside of my comfort zone to do things I wouldn't have otherwise done," MS.

Apprenticeship stories

Over the years, CILIP's in-house magazine Information Professional, has covered the accomplishments of some of these apprentices, which have been shared online and with the sector. These stories reflect the diversity and enthusiasm apprentices bring to their programmes, and future employers.

Red's Story

Red Tanner decided to take the apprenticeship path after realising that university was not for them, finding that it brought new perspectives and value to their career progression after finishing college.

Read Red's story

Marcin's Story

During his apprenticeship, Marcin gained a lot more than a qualification, he was offered a permanent position and is now looking to the next steps in his career.

Read Marcin's story

Lavinia's Story

"Is starting an apprenticeship in the 60th year of your life a good idea? In my experience the answer is a resounding yes!"

Read Lavinia's story

Tom's story

Studying history at university, the library quickly became my best friend, with hours spent searching the shelves in search for books, or asking librarians for obscure articles on Oliver Cromwell. Little did I know while studying that I would end up being the one that would help people find the information they needed.

Read Tom's story

Already down the road of hiring an apprentice? You can advertise your apprentice vacancy on informationprofessionaljobs for free, please contact Angela Krzyzanowska.