‘‘ W
It’s been great to learn and work towards a qualification whilst gaining so much experience working in all the different libraries around Kirklees.
HEN I first started the apprenticeship, I expected to spend most of my time working with books
(the bliss of naivety); instead I have had a vast sea of opportunities in such little time (I didn’t even know it was humanely possible to fit so much in!).
From talking at the Yorkshire and Humberside Development day to hosting Library Adventure Live (we shall not mention how I forgot to go live my first time doing it…). The diversity in the work I have done still amazes. Though overall this is a positive aspect of the apprenticeship it has also presented as a challenge. I have found it difficult to not throw myself at everything available (how can I possibly choose between so many appealing projects!). Its like presenting a child with a bag of sweets and asking them to only choose a few… of course
I WOULD recommend an apprenticeship for anyone who is looking at gaining some work experience whilst working towards a qualification.
When I left college in March last year I started searching for apprenticeships within a creative field of work; I had especially enjoyed graphics at college but there didn’t seem to be many apprenticeships in that line of work. With this in mind, I started to broaden my search of apprenticeships looking at what posts were available in Kirklees. I never expected libraries to offer apprenticeships and I’d never thought about working in one before, however the job description spoke about much more than working with books and keeping the library tidy. I was surprised to see so many opportunities listed; the chance to undertake creative tasks such as creating displays and organising events really stood out to me so I applied for the role through the website. After submitting my application form I was invited to two virtual interviews on
July-August 2021
its tempting to take the whole bag! It would be unfair to talk about how much I’m loving this apprenticeship without mentioning it’s in part due to the incredible support by my manager, John and colleagues. Coming into work is such a pleasure… in fact I find myself coming in on days I’m scheduled to work at home! Whether it’s encouragement, believing in my abilities (a lot more than I do!) or offering me advice, every individual around me contributes to my apprenticeship journey and learning. Within the first few months I had my sights set on advancing my career whilst working in public libraries. But almost a year in, my future plans have changed. Although I’m an ambitious individual, the satisfaction I get from working on the frontlines and being involved with everything is indescribable. I’m hoping to become a librarian, what a surprise! So at the end of this apprenticeship fingers
Microsoft Teams firstly with Kirklees Libraries and then with Barnsley college. I was so happy to have been successful in both interviews, I couldn’t wait to start my new job. So far into my programme I have been involved in so many diverse projects. You may have already heard of ‘Our Apprenticeship Journey’ where both myself and Ambreen (North Kirklees Library Apprentice) upload vlogs each week to social media letting everyone know what we have been up to.
As well as trying to reach younger audiences and spread the word about library apprenticeships I’ve also done some work with stock where I’ve requested new stock for different book collections. I’ve also been doing some video making about our Local Studies department and been part of lots of different working parties. It’s been great to learn and work towards a qualification whilst gaining so much experience working in all the different libraries around Kirklees. After my apprenticeship I’m hoping
Ambreen Aziz is an apprentice librarian at Kirklees Libraries
www.kirkleeslibraries.co.uk
crossed I get to stay at Kirklees, as I have learned we are more than just books. We are the voice of the unheard. We are the educators for the overlooked. We are the revolutionaries and advocates for every generation. We are the change we want to see. IP
Hannah Armitage is an apprentice librarian at Kirklees Libraries
www.kirkleeslibraries.co.uk
to lean more towards working in events planning as that’s something I really enjoy. I love the atmosphere of libraries and believe an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to start working in that industry. IP
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