Archivist and records manager
Level 7 · Degree (Master’s)Creative and design 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An archivist and records manager preserves, organises, and provides access to archives and records of long-term significance, working in organisations such as national or local archives, universities, museums, businesses, or public bodies. This master's-level apprenticeship develops expertise in archival theory, digital preservation, records management, and heritage access. Graduates can work as qualified archivists, records managers, or digital preservation specialists.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Archival theory, appraisal, and arrangement and description principles
Records management lifecycle and retention scheduling
Digital preservation standards and long-term digital storage strategies
Conservation and physical care of paper, photographic, and digital records
Information legislation including the Public Records Act and Freedom of Information
Cataloguing standards and archive discovery systems
User services, access provision, and outreach and engagement
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Appraise, select, and acquire records for permanent preservation
Arrange and describe archival collections to professional cataloguing standards
Manage digital preservation workflows and storage systems
Advise colleagues on records management, retention, and disposal
Assist researchers and members of the public accessing the archive
Carry out outreach and engagement activities to promote the collections
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation on access and data protection
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 7 (Degree (Master’s)) - roughly Master’s-degree level. Usually needs a relevant degree or Level 6 qualification, or significant experience.
What’s next: Leads into senior and chartered professional roles.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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