Library Assistant ( Neighbourhood Delivery Assistant) - Apprenticeship

Old Moat; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Manchester is offering an advanced apprenticeship in Library, Information, and Archive services. The role focuses on delivering excellent customer service and understanding ICT. Candidates must have or be willing to obtain GCSE qualifications in Maths and English. This position offers a pathway to a Level 3 qualification over 18 months, with ongoing training and support.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Local government pension scheme

Enhanced parental and carers leave

Access to various discounts

Diverse learning opportunities

Volunteering leave

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering excellent customer service.
• Understanding of ICT and digital delivery.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for customers.
• Deal efficiently with enquiries from the public.
• Use a range of equipment and maintain the local environment.

Skills

Customer service

ICT and digital delivery

Education

Grade C/4 in GCSE Maths and/or English

Completion of level 3 Library, Information and Archive services apprenticeship course

Job description

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours per week (5 out of 7 days per week - Saturday and evening work essential)

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Additional Payments: 6.7% Flexibility Payment

Closing Date: 12 November 2025

Interview Method: In Person (Face to Face)

This role is subject to -

Proof of Manchester Residency – Roles at Grade 1 to 3, traineeships, or apprenticeships will initially only be advertised to Manchester residents and internal candidates. An applicant is classed as a resident of Manchester if they live within the boundaries of the City of Manchester; i.e. Any Council Tax liability for their home would be with Manchester City Council. To check if you fall under the Manchester City Council boundary please visit the government site.

This role is an advanced apprenticeship and the successful applicant will be required to undertake a course of study leading to a level 3 Library, Information and Archive services apprenticeship course. This is an 18-month course, mostly based in the workplace but with a requirement for 20% ‘off the job’ training. The candidate will be assessed by a 4,500-word project, a portfolio and a professional discussion.

If you do not hold grade C/4 in GCSE Maths and or English you will be required to pass a functional skills equivalent as part of the apprenticeship. This qualification will take 18 months and on successful completion, annual salary will increase to £25,185.

Applicants who have attended further education are welcome to apply to gain new skills or specialise in a different area. However, due to Department of Education funding rules for apprenticeships you are not eligible to apply for this apprenticeship role if you have a qualification at level APPRENTICESHIP LEVEL 3 or above or apprenticeship a similar field. Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if it is found that your prior qualifications conflict with the apprenticeship framework.

We have 1x35-hour post based in Manchester Central Library

Your main priority is to make a difference for our customers and we are looking for experience and understanding of delivering excellent customer service together with experience of ICT and digital delivery.

You would:

• Be the first point of contact for customers
• Deal efficiently and courteously with enquiries from members of the public providing effective and accurate information and advice on a range of council services, escalating queries where appropriate.
• Be willing to work at different libraries as and when required
• Use a range of equipment to undertake duties, ensuring that the local environment is effectively and efficiently utilised and maintained.

Undertake duties in a safe and responsible manner, in accordance with established health and safety requirements, legislation and City Council policies, practices and procedures.

Work in partnership with external agencies, organisations and other city council services to deliver a wide range of services.

Personal commitment to continuous self development and service improvement.

Through personal example, open commitment and clear action, ensure diversity is positively valued, resulting in equal access and treatment in employment, service delivery and communications.

About the Candidate

We want people with fresh ideas, passion and potential. The successful candidate must complete the level 3 Library, Information and Archives apprenticeship course. This is an 18-month course, mostly based in the workplace but with a requirement for 20% ‘off the job’ training. The candidate will be assessed by a 4,500 word project, a portfolio and a professional discussion.

About Us

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance- Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension- You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave- Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks- Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow- We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
• A Good Employment Charter member- We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave- Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition
• If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email [e-mail].

What we will need from you if you’re successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
• Proof of Manchester Residency: For some roles, you may need to demonstrate that you reside within the boundaries of Manchester City Council.
• Police Vetting: Some roles may require police vetting to ensure suitability for accessing sensitive law enforcement systems or information.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance: BPSS clearance is primarily used for roles that involve access to government data, systems, or assets. It ensures that individuals meet basic security requirements and can be trusted with sensitive information
• Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, we’ll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other relevant information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

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