Level 3 Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services

York College student Ann Colling became the first candidate to complete the EDI Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services nationally. Awarded her certificate in July 2011.
Ann was one of a group of twelve candidates from North Yorkshire County Council who was put forward to undertake the new EDI Certificate/Diploma in Libraries, Archives and Information Services through York College having previously successfully completed the NVQ Level 2 in Information and Library Services.
Some reflective thoughts from Ann:
I had no Library training before I started to work in the Library and the Level 2 NVQ affirmed and quantified the tasks that I undertook in my role as Community Information Assistant. The Level 3 Diploma built on this. It proved to be an exciting opportunity to explore the wider LAIS sector and gain extra knowledge and I found my studies ‘running away’ with me, I really enjoyed the freedom to study around the subject of Libraries and Information.
As I said previously my confidence has grown and I believe that this facilitates me proving an improved service to library users, I am looking forward to studying further as the reward in gaining new skills and knowledge beckons, perhaps a management degree or CILIP certification.
EDI External Verifier, Michael Williamson commented on the excellent standard of portfolio and praised York College, the assessment team and candidate. A benchmark has certainly been set for future candidates.

NYBEP Recently Employed an Advanced Apprentice in IT

York College were very pleased to enter into discussions with NYBEP to see how an IT apprenticeship framework could provide a new approach to supporting NYBEPs IT infrastructure.  Following an initial meeting with the College’s Business Development Unit, it quickly became apparent that an IT apprenticeship for one of their current members of staff would allow the company to reduce the reliance on external contractors and build internal capacity.
Laura Mason, HR and Facilities Manager, said, “As well as the reduction of cost by relying upon external contractors for IT support, the apprenticeship allowed us to invest in our current workforce.  The structure of the qualification matched the business needs and the college was able to demonstrate the business benefits quickly, whilst ensuring the administrative process was quick and easy”.
NYBEP is a leading education business partnership and an accredited provider of education business services.  They bring together schools, colleges, higher education and businesses from across the region, operating from a base in York.
NYBEP’s apprentice, Micheal Aldridge, is studying towards the Advanced Apprenticeship in IT.  The delivery of this apprenticeship includes a mixture of training in the workplace and attendance at college on a weekly basis.
NYBEP have already reported a number of benefits to the organisation since Michael commenced his apprenticeship.  They have noted increased staff satisfaction and morale with the team seeing solutions to IT problems , and a number of IT tasks that would have previously been outsourced have now been brought in-house.