Library Apprentice

This role has a starting salary of £21,474 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. This role is a 18 month fixed term apprenticeship opportunity.

We are very excited to be recruiting a Library Apprentice based at Guildford Library. You will predominantly be working at Guildford and Horsley Libraries but we may occasionally ask you to work at other libraries within the South group of libraries.

On average, you'll spend 4 days a week working and learning on the job and 1 day a week studying and completing work towards your qualification which will be the equivalent of 2 A-Levels.

Rewards and Benefits

• Level 3 qualification in Library, Information and Archive Services
• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About Us

Surrey Libraries offer a broad range of services and are the social, economic, learning, and cultural hubs right at the heart of communities across Surrey.

We offer a range of activities and events to support local communities ranging from rhymetime, coding and chess clubs, through to helping people improve their computer skills and hosting reading groups and exhibitions.

Surrey County Council's Library Service has partnered with Westminster Adult Education Service to offer this opportunity for an apprentice position, leading to a Level 3 qualification in Library, Information and Archive Services.

About the Role

In this role you will:

• Work as part of the team of Library Assistants to deliver a high-quality library service and excellent customer care by helping local communities and residents access information, learning, digital services and reading for pleasure.
• Assist in the delivery of events, activities, book stock work and digital services.
• Use the library management system to help customers find the books and information they need.
• Contribute towards library performance objectives such as improving book issue statistics, increasing library membership and visitor engagement.
• Gain experience of working alongside volunteers, stakeholders and other library partners.

You will work alongside colleagues and acquire the skills, knowledge, behaviours and understanding needed for this busy, public facing working environment.

We won't be expecting you to jump in and be able to do this all from day one. You'll first go through an induction period allowing you to get used to the library and the team. As you gain more confidence in your role, you'll be supported to do more and more!

Apprenticeship Support

You will be guided through the qualification by Westminster Adult Education Service and will be provided with a tutor who will help you plan tasks and projects to complete your qualification and mark the work that you do. This apprenticeship offers a blended learning approach comprising of workshops, distance learning, one-to-one and classroom based delivery. The library branch manager will support your personal development throughout your apprenticeship and you will be given protected time to complete your course work.

As your qualification comes to an end and you begin to turn your eye to the future, we have a fantastic support programme in place that will put you in the best position to take the next step on your exciting career journey.

How to Apply

Applying with us is simple! All we ask is that you upload your CV and answer the following questions about yourself and the role you're applying for to see if this apprenticeship is a good match for you:

1. Have you acquired GCSE Maths and English grades A*-C/8-4, or functional skills Level 2? If requested, would you be able to provide evidence of these qualifications (i.e., certificates)?
2. What excites you about this apprenticeship?
3. What do you think good customer service looks like from a library staff member? What steps would they take to ensure customer satisfaction?
4. Why do you feel the library is important to the local community?

Rota

Week 1

Week 2

Monday

9.30-5.30

9.30-5.30

Tuesday

9-5

9-5

Wednesday

9-5.30

9-5.30

Thursday

9-5.30

10.30-7

Friday

9-5

9-5

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 05/05/2024 with interviews planned for the week commencing 13/05/2024.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.