Apprentice Archives Assistant Review

Item: Apprentice Archives Assistant at Sandwell Council
Rating: 3.8
Author: Anonymous

at Sandwell Council

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Research

Smethwick

Review Submitted: January 2024

Overall Rating

3.8 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role

4/5 - Skills Development

3.2/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5

My role involves assisting service users by identifying and signposting/retrieving the most appropriate resource(s) that will satisfy their needs, conducting research using a range of sources and other aids, carrying out collection development and management tasks such as listing materials and carrying out preservation practices.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

It has been a rewarding process that has allowed me to develop the KSBs needed to thrive in an information environment and has gave me direction in what I want my career to be in. It has been challenging at times but ultimately beneficial.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

I have been able to develop my customer service, research, communication, team working, and digital/information literacy skills.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/5

Good.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

4/5

I work with an excellent team that is always encouraging and supportive when needed.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

They are very supportive and informative. I know that I am able to ask for assistance when required and I am comfortable to do so.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

It has allowed me to gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an information environment. However I do feel that some aspects of the training was more tailored to another environment than the one in which I am based.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

2/5

N/A

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Sandwell Council to a friend?

Why?

Although I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship and have loved working with the staff at my service the overall culture when it comes to staff welfare and overall and general communication is concerning.