Library and Information Sector Apprenticeships

As the professional association for everyone working in knowledge, information, data and libraries, CILIP believes that apprenticeships provide employers in all sectors with an opportunity to attract, retain and nurture diverse talent.

Until recently, there was no sector-specific Apprenticeship Standard for the library and information profession. While some sector employers have effectively ‘built’ one from existing apprenticeships (in, for example, Customer Service) it was felt that the lack of a sector-specific standard was discouraging employers.

In 2016, CILIP convened a Trailblazer Group of sector employers to develop the Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Apprenticeship Standard, which was formally approved for delivery from December 2018.

CILIP Pathways

CILIP Pathways provides quality assessment services for apprenticeships. The organisation is the end point assessment organisation (EPAO) for the Level 3 Library, Information and Archives Services Assistant apprenticeship Standard.

Apprenticeship Best Practice Guide

Working with employers using the Level 3 Library Archive and Information Services Assistant apprenticeship has helped us understand how to make this a successful and rewarding experience for both the employer and the apprentice. Read CILIP's best practice guide to employing apprentices in the sector.

Level 3 Standard

The Level 3 standard covers a wide range of professional skills, including digital skills and information literacy. It defines the activities of LIAS Level 3 apprentices as:

“LIAS Assistants help users find the information and resources they need in order to resolve their specific query. They work with people from all parts of society and the workforce, providing essential digital and analogue information services – issuing and returning materials, organizing collections, answering research and information queries, improving customers’ literacy skills, – quite often at the forefront of innovation.”

The standard can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships website, Level 3 Standard

Further Standards

CILIP supports employers across the sector to encourage engagement with and adoption of this standard. CILIP Pathways has been established as a registered the End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for the Standard.

A Level 4 Information Manager standard was launched in 2020.

CILIP is currently facilitating a Trailblazer Group creating a Level 7 Library, Information and Knowledge Manager Standard. For further information email memberservices@cilip.org.uk

Further information on apprenticeships can be found at the Institute for Apprenticeships