Library Apprentice

The starting salary for this role is £19,560 per annum for working 36 hours per week (two-week rota). This is an 18-month fixed term apprenticeship contract.

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

About the role

If you are looking for a career working with people and communities to help them access information, learning, digital services and reading for pleasure then this is your chance!

As an apprentice, you will work with our teams of Library Assistants to deliver high-quality service and excellent customer care. You will learn about the different services that we offer to library customers in Surrey and help us move into the future, whilst gaining a variety of skills.

Our apprenticeship scheme provides a perfect way to earn a wage while you gain vital work experience and a nationally recognised qualification (Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services). Once you have completed your apprenticeship, we can offer your support in seeking future employment.

You will be fully supported and mentored throughout your apprenticeship and will be given protected time to complete your course work.

Assessment and support

Westminster Adult Education Service will guide you through the qualification and provide you with a skills coach who will help you plan tasks and projects to complete your qualification and mark the work that you do.

You will work closely alongside a colleague/mentor who will support your personal development. You will also be allocated a buddy to help you.

Much of your learning will be in the workplace, where you will work shadow colleagues and acquire the practical skills, knowledge, behaviours and understanding needed for this busy working environment. Most apprenticeships offer a blended learning approach comprising workshops, distance learning and one-to-one delivery depending on the apprenticeship you apply for.

For more information about Surrey libraries, please visit our website.

For more information about the Level 3 qualification in Library, Information and Archive Services, please see: Library, information and archive services assistant apprenticeship standard.

How to apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to answer the following questions along with uploading your CV:

• 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)?

• What are your motivations for applying for this role?

• What do you think good customer service looks like from a library staff member?

• Why do you feel the library is important to the community?

For more information please find the full role profile below and refer to this before submitting your application. We also invite you to read our Life at Surrey handbook to see insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

At Surrey, our values and behaviours are just as important as our skills and abilities. They shape who we are as an organisation. Find out more about the values we follow.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01/05/2023.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews to be held on 05/05/2023. You'll be asked to answer a few questions and read a short story, with interview questions provided in advance.

Rota

Week 1: Monday 9.30-5.30, Tuesday 10.30-7, Wednesday 9.30-5.30, Thursday 9.30-6, Friday 9-5, Saturday OFF.

Week 2: Monday 9-5.30, Tuesday 10-7, Wednesday 9-5.30, Thursday OFF, Friday 9.30-5, Saturday 9.30-5.

Please note that the above rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision, when required, to meet the needs of the library service, including occasionally covering until 7pm.

Location

Although based at Redhill Library, you will also work regularly at Merstham Library, 2A Portland Drive, RH1 3HY. You may also be asked to work at Caterham Hill, Caterham Valley and Oxted libraries, which are in the same group, and will travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.

There are no staff parking facilities at libraries in Surrey, however there are pay and display car parks close to most locations. If using public transport, please check what options are available for you to travel to individual locations, and when making your application, consider your travel costs and arrangements.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion please contact Helen Cronin on 07816 450101 or by e-mail at helen.cronin@surreycc.gov.uk.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Benefits

You will benefit from 26 days' annual leave (pro-rated for part time staff), a generous local government salary related pension, and an Employee Assistance Programme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.