New Pathways into the Profession: How Organisations Have Realised the Value of Apprenticeships in Library, Information, Knowledge, Records and Archives

Abstract For many years apprenticeships were associated with heavy industry and skilled manual work, but in more recent times the focus has shifted towards other fields and professions, including librarianship. In 2017 CILIP – the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals – began working with employers across sectors designing apprenticeships specific to library, information, knowledge and archives work. The Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Apprenticeship was the first to be developed and came online in 2019 and to date over 100 apprentices have been through the apprenticeship, while other apprenticeships to do with the profession are now up and running. Here Claire Laybats, Professional Services Development Manager for CILIP, gives LIM the full story.