It’s National Apprenticeship Week, so we asked our very own apprentices here at UHD Knowledge and Library Services if they could shed some light on their apprentice experience in an NHS library. Ed and Flora are both studying for the Level 3 Library, Information and Archives Services Assistant apprenticeship.

Flora has found her background in customer service jobs useful when she’s dealing with enquiries on the library front desk.

Ed is a photography graduate with an interest in film and all things tech. He’s got a keen eye for design, which comes in particularly handy when creating visual elements at work.

Ed, why are you so interested in libraries that you are now studying them?

A. I like reading and how quiet libraries can be, as well as the qualification tying into my degree.

Interesting! Do you study or do you not really need to? What is the studying like?

A. I do study. It ranges from interesting to gruelling in subject matter like any other research.

Hopefully it will all be worth it then! What kind of qualification do you get?

A. My apprenticeship is a Level 3, equivalent to two A level passes.

That’s great! Before we started offering them, I initially thought apprenticeships were only for teenagers. How come you’re studying for one at an older age?

A. I would say that depending on your interests or desired career path an apprenticeship can be very useful.

Thanks for that insight, Ed! What about your experiences, Flora?

A. I am an older apprentice too, and I am really enjoying it! A bonus is that you get to learn practically and first-hand. I recommend an apprenticeship to anyone of any age if they enjoy learning by doing. Ed and I are lucky to have a supportive team of colleagues who are happy for us to get stuck in with a mix of tasks. We have also been on a day trip to some local archives and another NHS hospital library, and are planning to join a regional study day with other NHS library assistants, so there are a lot of networking opportunities that come with doing this kind of study programme.

That sounds positive, good to hear! Best of luck in your studies, Ed and Flora, and many thanks for chatting with us.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Level 3 LIAS Assistant apprenticeship, you can find all the information here. For careers advice, more information about apprenticeships in general and to learn about National Apprenticeship Week 2025, check out the official website.

You can also follow these links to read about apprenticeship opportunities at Dorset HealthCare and University Hospitals Dorset.