CILIP seeks your views on new apprenticeship standards for library and information sector in England
Employers in the library and information sector have confirmed that they will develop new apprenticeship standards with support from Knowledge Quarter partner CILIP and other key sector bodies. A working group of employers agreed the development when considering the future of vocational standards and training for the profession in England across libraries, archives, records, information and knowledge management.
A survey about vocational standards and training to test potential take up and understand the needs of the sector has been published. The survey is targeted at people working in the sector responsible for apprenticeship schemes, training providers and educational institutions. The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
Nick Poole, CILIP Chief Executive said:
“It’s really positive to see how committed employers are to supporting a range of flexible routes for people to start a career in the sector. We know that we need to encourage greater diversity within the sector in order to reflect the UK population and apprenticeships are one important way to achieve this. We are pleased to be working with employers to reduce barriers of entry to the exciting opportunities this sector provides.”
CILIP’s UK information workforce survey, delivered jointly with the Archives and Records Association (UK & Ireland) in 2015, revealed that there is a high barrier to entry with 61% of the workforce holding a postgraduate qualification, whereas the highest qualification of most of the UK workforce is A-Level or equivalent. Additionally the workforce has lower ethnic diversity than the national UK Labour Force Survey statistic, with 97% of workers identifying as ‘white’, almost 10% above the national workforce average.
Employers can keep up to date with developments with apprenticeship standards by joining the circulation list. Email memberservices@cilip.org.uk with the subject line: Join Apprenticeship circulation list.
Initially the library and information apprenticeship framework was due to be withdrawn in December 2016. Following active lobbying by CILIP the Skills Funding Agency announced that the withdrawal of the framework will be delayed until October 2017 to allow more time to develop industry-led standards. Government advice says that learners who start a library and information apprenticeship between now and October 2017 will be unaffected by the changes.
Image Choice by Alan Levine, cropped and with tint. CC BY 2.0
