This month we’d like to congratulate Olga Naden, a 42-year-old Library, Information & Archive Services (LIAS) Assistant for winning Apprentice of the Month! Olga has shared her story with us:
“I chose the Library, Information & Archive Assistant apprenticeship because it aligned with my passion for working in libraries and promoting literacy. I wanted to gain a formal qualification that would deepen my knowledge of information services, user needs, digital literacy, and collection management, while allowing me to apply these skills in a real-world school library environment.
I chose an apprenticeship because it allows me to earn while I learn, gaining hands-on experience in a real library setting while building professional skills. It offers a practical, career-focused route compared to university, with immediate relevance to my job role.
The main benefits of an apprenticeship are gaining real-world experience, developing practical skills, earning a qualification without student debt, and building confidence through applying knowledge directly in the workplace. It makes learning meaningful and practical.
I’m most proud of transforming Lostock’s school library into a vibrant, inclusive hub that supports literacy, student engagement, and community access – and securing a major budget increase by successfully advocating for the library’s impact.
The best thing about my role is getting to talk about books every day and genuinely making a difference. I’ve reviewed books for over 10 years, so working in a library feels like a dream come true.
I’ve been really well supported throughout the programme. My line manage, Vicky, has encouraged my development and given me opportunities and freedom to grow in my role. My LMP tutor, Leslie, has been brilliant – she makes learning genuinely fun and always tailors sessions to my needs.
The most important skill I’ve learnt is understanding the theory behind the role. It’s given me real pride in my work, showing that being a librarian isn’t just about loving books (though it is essential), it’s about professional knowledge, service, and making a real impact.
After completing the programme, I’m excited to fully settle into my role and keep pushing to make the library even more inspiring and welcoming for students, staff, and the community. I’m passionate about growing the service creatively and making an impact!”
Leslie Dallison, Olga’s tutor has said “Olga goes above and beyond in her role as Librarian in her hybrid library, working with the school and the local community. She is passionate about reading and encouraging students to read and explore diverse modern texts. She is on the reader shortlisting panel for Wilber Smith and Spark! She adds these new books to her collection for her students to read. She has forged links with a number of community groups, gleaning equipment and funding, such as the Digital Inclusion Network, which donated laptops to the library and has recently been given funding to introduce ePlatform where eBooks can be accessed in a variety of formats and languages to support SEND students and EAL students. She has put a case to senior leadership and negotiated a large increase to her library budget for the next academic year, enabling her to develop the library collection and resources further. She developed and leads the school debate club, encouraging students to develop key research and conversational skills. She has passed her functional skills and is an excellent learner, meeting targets and producing high-quality work for her apprenticeship.
Olga is now working on her project idea for her end-point assessment, so I look forward to seeing her project plan.”
Well done, Olga, we wish you all the best in the future!
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