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Libraries, Information and Archive Services Apprenticeship Level 3

Marketing Title
01/08/2000
Format
31/07/2099
Format
Level 3
Part-Time
APS30395A (RORO)
Nelson and Colne College / Accrington and Rossendale College
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Course Information

Course Information
The Level 3 Libraries, Information and Archive Services (LIAS) Apprenticeship prepares you for a rewarding career in the management and delivery of information services. LIAS Assistants play a vital role across many sectors — including public, health, legal, commercial, educational, government, heritage and cultural, and entertainment — supporting access to knowledge and resources for a wide range of users.

As a front-line professional, you will learn how to engage with users responsibly, ethically, and equitably, meeting their diverse information needs. You will develop skills in anticipating, assessing, and fulfilling requests, whether face to face, online, or via digital systems, while also gaining expertise in organising and maintaining collections.

By providing comprehensive support, you will contribute to the betterment of society, enabling informed decision-making and access to knowledge. This apprenticeship ensures you gain the professional skills and behaviours to thrive in libraries, archives, and information services.
Customer Service in Libraries and Archives – supporting diverse users and providing equitable access to information.

Information Management – organising, cataloguing, and maintaining physical and digital collections.

Research and Enquiry Handling – anticipating, assessing, and fulfilling user requests.

Digital and Online Services – using databases, library management systems, and digital platforms.

Ethics and Professional Standards – working responsibly and ethically in information services.

Heritage and Cultural Services – supporting the preservation and promotion of historical and cultural resources.

Teamwork and Collaboration – contributing to the success of wider organisational goals.

Personal and Professional Development – building confidence, communication, and reflective practice.
The apprenticeship is delivered through a blend of on-the-job training in the workplace and off-the-job learning at college. In your role, you will gain first-hand experience engaging with library, archive, and information users, supporting enquiries, and maintaining collections. At college, you will attend structured sessions covering professional practice, digital systems, ethics, and customer service.

Learning is practical and applied, with opportunities to put theory into practice in real-world environments. You will also benefit from workplace visits by Trainer Assessors, one-to-one support, and regular progress reviews, ensuring you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for the sector.
You should be aiming for at least 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above in a range of subjects, preferably including English Language and Mathematics OR successful completion of a Level 2 Apprenticeship.

These requirements may alter dependent upon the needs of the employer. If you don’t quite achieve the entry criteria though don’t worry, we can discuss your option. Minimum GCSE grade 3 or equivalent in English and Maths.
Progress meetings with your employer and Trainer Assessor

Written assignments and knowledge tests to evidence understanding

Workplace observations to assess your practical skills in real settings

Portfolio completion showcasing your achievements and development

Regular reviews to monitor progress and set clear goals

End Point Assessment (EPA) – conducted by an independent assessor and including a professional discussion, knowledge test, and observation of your practice
The programme has been co-designed with employers and sector experts, ensuring training is directly relevant to libraries, archives, and information services.

Completion of this apprenticeship provides a recognised Level 3 qualification, valued across public, commercial, educational, and cultural organisations.

Expert Trainer Assessors with experience in the information and heritage sectors provide guidance and support throughout your learning journey.

Apprentices benefit from access to modern college facilities and digital resources, enhancing workplace training with up-to-date tools.

A dedicated Apprenticeship Team is on hand to support your academic, professional, and personal development, ensuring you thrive and succeed.
Completing the Level 3 Libraries, Information and Archive Services Apprenticeship opens up a wide range of opportunities across public, commercial, educational, and cultural sectors. Typical roles include Library Assistant, Archive Assistant, or Information Services Assistant, where you will support users and manage collections.

With further experience, you could progress into specialist or supervisory positions such as Information Officer, Records Manager, Customer Services Supervisor, or Heritage Officer. Many apprentices also choose to continue their professional development through higher-level qualifications in information management, archives, or librarianship, providing a pathway into more senior roles in the sector.
As a LIAS Apprentice, you will benefit from access to the Business and Professional Services facilities. These include modern classrooms with interactive technology, IT suites equipped with specialist software, and collaborative learning spaces that reflect real workplace environments.

You will also have access to the Learning Resource Centre, offering a wide range of digital databases, journals, and texts to support your studies. Practical workshops and role-play scenarios help you apply your learning, while workplace visits and employer partnerships ensure your training is aligned with the latest sector standards and professional practice.
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