At a Glance
- Tasks: Support library services, promote reading, and assist customers in a vibrant community setting.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth for an enriching experience.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive pay, 40 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role across 12 libraries with potential for permanent position after apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable qualifications and skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 English and Maths required; support available if needed.
The predicted salary is between 21150 - 25850 £ per year.
Salary Range: Apprentice rate – 80% London Living Wage in Year 1; 100% London Living Wage in Year 2
Full time, Fixed Term 18 months
Location: Twickenham Cluster – Richmond Libraries
Other essential information: You will work to achieve a Level 3 qualification in Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Apprenticeship. This will involve travel to Westminster Adult Education Service’s Lisson Grove Centre (which is near Marylebone), approximately once a month. You will be given an appropriate time allowance to undertake this qualification, which is projected to be on average 6 hours per week.
Objective of role: Our Library Assistants play a vital role in promoting reading, supporting learning, and encouraging our visitors to participate in the rich cultural and community life of Richmond upon Thames.
About the role: Day to day duties include:
- You will shelve and tidy stock, promoting it and helping customers choose books and ensuring that our collections are ordered, well-presented and accessible.
- You will also help to deliver a wide range of reading events, such as weekly Rhymetimes and author talks.
- You will use a range of IT systems and services at a high level.
- You will answer customer and colleague enquiries both in person and on the phone.
- You will be required to work in any of our 12 libraries across the borough, so you will need to be flexible in your attitude to work.
This will be a full-time 36-hour post working 4 days every weekday and every other Saturday.
Weekdays from 9.15 – 6.15/7.15
Saturdays from 9.15 – 4.15
This post is fixed term lasting 18 months with intention to recruit you into a permanent role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship qualification.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience: To successfully complete your apprenticeship, you must hold Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths. We can provide Functional Skills Level 2 support for you if you do not already have these qualifications.
Essential criteria for this post include:
- The ability to communicate clearly, and with understanding, when working with the public including using the telephone, email and social media.
- The ability and confidence to deal with challenging situations in a calm and effective manner.
- Aware of the range of resources and services currently delivered by libraries and the importance of libraries within communities.
- Aware of the Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services Apprenticeship offered by Westminster Adult Education Service.
- Ability to work without close supervision, retain information and apply procedures as instructed.
Closing Date: End of day Sunday 30 August 2026
Shortlisting Date: 31/08-20/09 this process might be delayed due to the number of applications
Interview invitations: w/c 21 September
Interview Date: from 14th October
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Company: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Salary: £27781
Location: London (South), London (Greater)
Sector: Leisure and Culture
Sector: Culture
Job Role: Apprenticeship
Library Assistant Apprentice employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Assistant Apprentice
✨Get Involved in Local Learning Communities
Join local adult education groups or community centres that host classes. It’s a great way to meet people in the same field, plus they often know about apprenticeship opportunities before they're posted online.
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to anyone you’ve met during your studies or any courses you’ve taken. Ask them if they know of any apprenticeship roles, especially in local education organisations, as they might just have the inside scoop on openings at places like Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨Show Off Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In interviews and conversations, express your enthusiasm for adult education. Share experiences where you’ve helped others learn or even ongoing projects you're involved in. It’ll set you apart and show you’re committed to the field.
✨Apply Early and Often!
Many apprenticeships have specific application windows, so don’t hesitate to apply as soon as you see a role that interests you—especially at Kirklees Metropolitan Council. Keep checking their website and transfer any tips you gather from networking into your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Library Assistant Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Learning:When applying for an apprenticeship in adult continuing education, it's vital to highlight your enthusiasm for teaching adults and facilitating their learning journeys. Use your cover letter to share specific experiences that showcase your motivation to empower others and expand your own skills in this rewarding field.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if your experience isn't directly in education, include any relevant roles you've had, like mentoring, tutoring, or leading workshops. Showcase how these experiences shaped your understanding of adult learners and educational methods—this can really set you apart!
Tailor Your CV to the Educational Sector:Make sure your CV reflects your understanding of adult learning principles, and include any certifications or courses you've done in education or training. Using keywords that resonate with adult education can also help your application stand out to Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
Be Ready to Discuss Your Learning Style:Since this apprenticeship is about fostering learning, be prepared to discuss how you learn best and how you can adapt to meet the needs of diverse adult learners. Think about including a short section in your cover letter that showcases your adaptability and commitment to personal growth in educational methods!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Show Your Passion for Education
In adult continuing education, demonstrating a genuine passion for teaching and learning is key. Be ready to share any experiences that showcase your enthusiasm for helping others learn, whether it's tutoring, mentoring, or even sharing your own learning journey.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in adult education. Prepare to discuss how you've adapted your communication style to suit different audiences. Maybe think of a time when you tailored your message for a group of learners with varying levels of experience.
✨Get Familiar with Learning Tools
As this is an apprenticeship, you'll likely be using various educational tools and platforms. Do a bit of homework on popular tools in the field like Learning Management Systems (LMS) or any specific software that Kirklees Metropolitan Council uses, and be prepared for questions about your comfort level with technology.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, your learning potential is as important as your current skills. Be ready to discuss how you approach learning new concepts and how you’ve adapted in previous roles. Showing that you’re keen to grow in this field can really set you apart!
