Library Apprentice

Surrey County Council; Walton-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council based in Walton-on-Thames is seeking a Library Apprentice to assist in delivering excellent library services. The role involves working with the community, providing customer service, and gaining a Level 3 qualification in Library, Information and Archive Services. The position offers a starting salary of £23,322 per annum and opportunities for further personal development.

Benefits

26 days' holiday, increasing with service

Learning and development programs

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Wellbeing discounts including gym and shopping

Generous local government pension

Qualifications

• Strong customer service skills to engage with library users.
• Ability to work as part of a team to support library activities.
• Good communication skills for customer interaction.

Responsibilities

• Help deliver high-quality library service.
• Assist in events, activities, and digital services.
• Use library management systems to assist customers.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Communication

Education

GCSE Maths and English grades A*-C/9-4 or Level 2 functional skills

Job description

This role has a starting salary of £23,322 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.This role is an 18-month fixed term apprenticeship opportunity.

We are very excited to be recruiting a Library Apprentice based at the Walton Library. You will predominantly be working at Walton and Hersham Libraries, but we may occasionally ask you to work at other libraries within the Walton group of libraries.

On average, you'll spend 4 days a week working and learning on the job and 1 day a week studying and completing work towards your qualification which will be the equivalent of 2 A-Levels. Please see the advert on our website for the planned working rota.

Our Offer to You

• Level 3 qualification in Library, Information and Archive Services
• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About Us

Surrey Libraries offer a broad range of services and are the social, economic, learning, and cultural hubs right at the heart of communities across Surrey.

We offer a range of activities and events to support local communities ranging from rhymetime, coding and chess clubs, through to helping people improve their computer skills and hosting reading groups and exhibitions.

Surrey County Council's Library Service has partnered with Westminster Adult Education Service to offer this opportunity for an apprentice position, leading to a Level 3 qualification in Library, Information and Archive Services.

For more information about Surrey libraries, please visit our website.

About the Role

In this role you will:

• Work as part of the team of Library Assistants to deliver a high-quality library service and excellent customer care by helping local communities and residents access information, learning, digital services and reading for pleasure
• Assist in the delivery of events, activities, book stock work and digital services
• Use the library management system to help customers find the books and information they need
• Contribute towards library performance objectives such as improving book issue statistics, increasing library membership and visitor engagement
• Gain experience of working alongside volunteers, stakeholders and other library partners.

You will work alongside colleagues and acquire the skills, knowledge, behaviours and understanding needed for this busy, public facing working environment.

We won't be expecting you to jump in and be able to do this all from day one. You'll first go through an induction period allowing you to get used to the library and the team. As you gain more confidence in your role, you'll be supported to do more and more!

Apprenticeship Support

You will be guided through the qualification by Westminster Adult Education Service and will be provided with a tutor who will help you plan tasks and projects to complete your qualification and mark the work that you do. This apprenticeship offers a blended learning approach comprising of workshops, distance learning, one-to-one and classroom based delivery. The library branch manager will support your personal development throughout your apprenticeship and you will be given protected time to complete your course work.

As your qualification comes to an end and you begin to turn your eye to the future, we have a fantastic support programme in place that will put you in the best position to take the next step on your exciting career journey. Our desire is for all our apprenticeships to be the first step on a long and successful career journey.

For more information about the Level 3 qualification in Library, Information and Archive Services, please see the Library, information and archive services assistant apprenticeship standard on our website. The learning side of your apprenticeship will be delivered by Westminster Adult Education Service, their centre is based in Lisson Grove, London NW8 8LW.

Your Application

Applying with us is simple! All we ask is that you upload your CV and answer the following questions, aligned with our behaviours:

1. Have you acquired GCSE Maths and English grades A*-C/9-4, or functional skills Level 2? If requested, would you be able to provide evidence of these qualifications (i.e., certificates)?
2. What excites you about being an apprentice with Surrey Libraries?
3. Good customer service is essential to working in a library. How would you ensure you delivered customer satisfaction
4. Why do you feel the library is important to the local community?

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 30/11/2025 with interviews planned for Week Commencing 08/12/2025.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information on our website.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.