Happy National Apprenticeship Week! Throughout this week we’ll be sharing stories of apprentices from across LMP’s programmes to celebrate their success and spotlight the good work they do. Today we have Caitlin, a Library, Information, and Archive Assistant (LIAS) apprentice from Farrer & Co. Here is her story:
“When I left my last role at the beginning of 2024, I felt like I would never find a job that I loved. I continued looking for similar roles that suited my experiences of retail and call centres, but nothing felt right. I was encouraged to look for something I am passionate about and the obvious answer for me was a library. The more I researched what the job entails and how librarians’ roles have evolved, the more I realised it was exactly what I wanted to do.
After scrolling through endless advertisements and being rejected from a library in my local area, I was losing hope. Then I came across an advert offering a role in a law firm’s library whilst studying for the Level 3 Library, Information and Archive qualification. I never would have had the confidence to apply for this role if it wasn’t for the apprenticeship aspect, which made me think, why not? This employer must be willing to take a chance on someone who doesn’t have the experience yet but is willing to learn. I also loved the idea of studying for a qualification without having to give up work.
I was delighted to be offered the role and couldn’t wait to get started. Initially, I worried about how I would cope with the learning and assignment writing, as I struggled at school and had no idea what to expect as someone who had no prior library experience. After my very first meeting with LMP and my employer, I instantly felt supported and understood that if I showed dedication to my role and willingness to learn, they would provide me with the tools I needed to succeed and learn new skills.
I am grateful to have met my LMP tutor and wonderful colleagues who all have so much knowledge and experience in the sector. My tutor, Kate, makes every lesson enjoyable and engaging and I leave each one feeling excited to put what I learned into practice. My manager and team are also extremely supportive and ensure I have enough time to complete my assignments. My manager put me in touch with other LMP apprentices who are working at other law firms, and it has been lovely to be in contact with people working towards the same goal. Our managers also meet up to discuss ways to support us, such as arranging tours of other libraries and archives to increase our exposure to best practices.
I have learned so much since starting this journey six months ago, but one thing I never expected was the massive confidence boost it has given me. I have realised I am more capable than I have given myself credit for in the past, and I have been provided with many opportunities to improve my communication skills. I am also looking forward to developing my project management skills when I start planning for my end-point assessment.”
Well done Caitlin we wish you all the best in the future!
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