Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Apprentice Level 3
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Company: Bristol City Council
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Location: Bristol, BS1 6XN
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: Competitive Salary
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Sector: Business and administration
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Ref: NAS-2000038761
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Application Deadline Date: 08/07/2026
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Start Date: 01/09/2026
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Positions Available: 1
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Working Week: Part-time, 30 hours per week (24 hours on-site at Bristol Archives and 6 hours off-the-job learning), with on-site working Tuesdays to Thursdays in our public searchroom and archives.
Brief Description
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Library, Information and Archives Services Assistant Apprentice at Bristol Archives. You will work alongside archivists and colleagues to support the preservation and accessibility of Bristol’s rich history, helping people explore the city’s past and engage with its heritage.
Training to be Provided
You will undertake a combination of on-the-job training and off-the-job learning as part of the Level 3 Library, Information and Archives Services Assistant apprenticeship.
Where training will take place:
The majority of training will take place in the workplace at: Bristol Archives, Bond Warehouse, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN.
You will also complete structured learning delivered by the training provider (LMP), which will be undertaken online (remote delivery).
There may be occasional opportunities to visit other local authority archive services in the South West as part of the learning programme.
How often training will be:
You will work 30 hours per week, which includes:
- 24 hours of on-the-job learning within the Archives service
- 6 hours per week (off-the-job training) dedicated to formal study and training provider-led sessions
Off-the-job training will typically be delivered through a combination of:
- Weekly online learning sessions
- Independent study
- Tutor support and progress reviews
Additional training support:
- You will be supported in the workplace by experienced Archivists and their line manager
- A structured training plan will be agreed at the start of the programme, including regular progress reviews with the training provider
- You will build a portfolio of evidence throughout the programme to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and behaviours
Future Prospects
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress into roles such as Archives Assistant, Library Assistant or other entry-level positions within archives, heritage, museums or information services. The skills and experience gained will also provide a strong foundation for further study or progression to higher-level apprenticeships within the sector, supporting a long-term career in archives and heritage.
Vacancy Detail
This is a 24‑month apprenticeship programme, offering a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining valuable skills and a nationally recognised qualification. You will develop practical experience in archives and information services, alongside customer service and organisational skills, supporting your future career in the heritage, archive or library sector.
As part of the team at Bristol Archives, you will provide a welcoming and professional service to visitors using the archives searchroom and support the day-to-day running of archive services.
You will:
- Support visitors in accessing archive collections and resources
- Learn how to safely handle, store and preserve important historical documents
- Assist in organising and maintaining archive records and collections
- Help create and share information about the archives to improve access and engagement
- Work with colleagues across the service and occasionally visit other local authority archives as part of your learning
This role offers a hands-on learning experience where you’ll build confidence working with both people and historical materials, contributing to making heritage accessible to all.
Other Information
- Commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme
- Ability to balance work responsibilities with study requirements
- Willingness to follow council policies and procedures