Chloe Wilkinson

“Before studying for a Level 3 Library Information Archive Services Apprenticeship, I was working at Madame Tussauds where I did a lot of front-facing customer service work. During that time, I also volunteered at The Imperial War Museum. I’ve always been a history buff and have a huge interest in preserving historical information. I realised I wanted to work in archives because I would always see these amazing collections. 

I found out about this Apprenticeship on Indeed. It was being advertised by The Royal Opera House for an Archives Assistant Apprentice role. I applied and went through the interview process and WAES got in touch and informed me about the qualification. I was very happy when I got in.  

I love working at the Royal Opera House. I think the name of it itself is enough for me to be like, yeah, this is where I work, its surreal. I just think the dynamic of my team and the people that I work for and work with is just amazing. After my Apprenticeship I’d like to continue as an Archivist Assistant for the 1940’s World War Two era. The things that I’ve learned on the course would go hand in hand to work in a war archive or something like that would be just amazing.  

The aspect I most enjoy at WAES is talking about current and semi current things that we have in The Royal Opera House Collection which spans across three different stores. It is just so interesting to talk about because we have so much, so I love talking about the Royal Opera House collection as part of my assignment.  

I didn’t go to university. I stopped at college, so coming back into education was really nerve wracking for me but the way Jenny, my tutor, teaches is so calm and stress free. There’s no pressure to be really, academically intelligent. You write in a way that helps you. You’ll meet like-minded people and make great friends and memories. I’ve never seen a course like this before, it’s the best way to get into the industry or field if you don’t have a degree.”