Archivist and Records Manager Apprentice

Special Collections holds rare books, historic manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual and digital items from the University’s own archive and many other unique collections. The apprentice will apply specialist knowledge gained through their training to the work of the team. This will include care of collections, reader support and engagement activities, to support research, education and public access.

We welcome applications from all candidates and particularly encourage individuals of African descent and those with lived experience of anti-Black racism to apply. We are building a team that reflects the communities we work with, and your leadership, insight and expertise are vital to shaping an inclusive and equitable future at the University of Bristol.

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/university/anti-racism-at-bristol/reparative-futures-programme/

Are you?

Experienced within the Black African Caribbean heritage/cultural sector or a related sector and able to demonstrate an interest in archives and records work Able to understand and demonstrate care and sensitivity for the special nature of the unique and distinct archive materials within Special Collections

Do you have?

Excellent IT skills, are an advanced user of standard computing packages, e.g. Microsoft Office/365 and have the ability to learn new software and programs The ability to understand and interpret information and good problem-solving skills Experience of working methodically and with excellent attention to detail, and of managing short and long-term workloads to plan and implement projects Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills, with a passion for engaging new users A flexible approach and the ability to work collaboratively with others, building and sustaining positive relationships with team members and other university staff

The successful applicant will be:

Listing the contents of archival collections onto our online system and creating metadata to ensure the discoverability and accessibility of accurate data on our collections Researching and editing information from archival sources for inclusion in reports, documents, blog posts etc. regarding the university’s history and other narratives emerging from our collections Providing support and advice to archive users and colleagues, in our reading room, teaching room and remotely Building working relationships with key internal and external contacts to increase engagement with Special Collections holdings and services Undertaking project tasks to help Special Collections support the University’s research, learning, governance and inclusion goals

Training:

The apprentice will spend one day per week in “off the job” training provided by Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES). They will use this time to research, complete assigned self-learning projects or write up assignments that contribute to the portfolio of evidence that is used in the end-point assessment. Once a month, the day of off-the-job learning will be a taught session, alternating between online and in-person. 

After 3 years, the Apprentice will complete a six-month assessment period which will result in completion of the L7 Archivist and Records Manager apprenticeship standard by means of a work-based project, written up as a report, and a professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence built during the learning period.

Training Outcome:

The Level 7 Archivist and Records Manager apprenticeship is a technical training route into the archives sector in England and is equivalent to the Master’s degree typically required to become a qualified archivist. Qualified archivists and records managers often find work in local authorities, universities, businesses and heritage organisations like cathedrals or historic houses.

Employer Description:
Bristol University is one of the most popular and successful universities in the UK, ranked 54th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Special Collections holds rare books, historic manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual and digital items from the University’s own archive and many other unique collections. The apprentice will apply specialist knowledge gained through their training to the work of the team. This will include care of collections, reader support and engagement activities, to support research, education and public access. We welcome applications from all candidates and particularly encourage individuals of African descent and those with lived experience of anti-Black racism to apply. We are building a team that reflects the communities we work with, and your leadership, insight and expertise are vital to shaping an inclusive and equitable future at the University of Bristol

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm and occasional evening or weekend.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience