Developing library and information apprenticeships and vocational qualifications:  seeking all interested stakeholders.

CILIP is offering the opportunity to shape the future of apprenticeships and vocational qualifications for the profession by creating employer-led standards. We are looking for interest and representation from across the whole profession. From employer feedback, we know developing work-based routes is vital for the current and future workforce.  Provision of the dedicated NVQ has been reduced, the impending introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017 and withdrawal of the current framework in October 2017 means it is time for the profession to create a modern, relevant approach fit for the workforce of the future. CILIP is ideally placed to facilitate employers with this task and is compiling a list of all interested stakeholders to explore and develop new standards for England.

In summary, this will include:

·         The current National Occupational Standards and their future relevance under new policies

·         A new standard (or sets of standards) for apprenticeships

·         Reviewing and, where feasible, updating current NVQ frameworks

Whilst there is still some uncertainty on all the implications of the changes being introduced, especially in regards to apprenticeship standards, it is important to get a head start in order to assess employers’ needs.  This is particularly important in such a diverse sector where there are a variety of specialisms to consider.

It must be stressed that all of this work will be employer-led, i.e. any standards created will be through co-development with employers. CILIP’s role is to facilitate and support this, whilst also gaining a better understanding of how we might work with employers in delivering excellent workforce development opportunities in the future through these work-based programmes (i.e. apprenticeships and/or NVQs)

 

Opportunities to get involved:

Core working group –  10-12 members will be invited to represent the broad scope of the library and information sector. The group will have a hands on role in developing the new standards. We anticipate the commitment to be up to 4 meetings over an 8-10 month timeframe. The first meeting will be at CILIP London Wednesday 22^nd March 2017.

Corresponding group  – a list of interested stakeholders who will be updated on the project and review the work undertaken, particularly the new standards drafted. This provides an opportunity to inform the core working group and shape the project by giving feedback and suggestions.

Circulation list – this group will receive periodic updates on the project

 

Next steps:

Email [log in to unmask] by Monday 30^th January 2017 with the subject line:  Apprenticeship interest. In the email outline your preferred level of involvement:

·         Core working group*

·         Corresponding group

·         Circulation list

* We anticipate demand for places on the core working group to be high. If you are interested in joining the core working group, please include a short statement (up to 150 words) setting out your background, interest and potential contribution.

The first working group meeting is currently planned for 22^nd March 2017. 
Other meeting dates include 25^th May and 3^rd August 2017.

 

 

Jo Cornish MCLIP (Revalidated 2016)

Development Officer (Employers)

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals

7 Ridgmount Street

London

WC1E 7AE

 

Part time, my  working days are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

 

Tel: 020 7255 0549

Fax: 020 7255 0501