Customer Service & Catering Apprentice (Sandwell Valley Crematorium)

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to join Sandwell Council’s Registration Services as an Apprentice in Customer Service and Catering at Sandwell Valley Crematorium.

In this combined role, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in a respectful, customer-facing environment, supporting bereaved families and guests while assisting with catering operations for wakes, receptions, and events in the Café and Reception Suite.

You’ll learn practical skills in food preparation, hospitality, and customer service — while developing your communication, administration, and teamwork abilities.

Working alongside experienced and supportive colleagues, you will:

Assist with the preparation and serving of food and drinks for wakes, receptions, and events Provide polite, professional, and compassionate customer service to members of the public, including bereaved families Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment in the Café, Reception Suite, and kitchen areas Learn how to prepare hot and cold beverages, snacks, and light meals to a high standard Support day-to-day catering and hospitality operations, including stock control and restocking supplies Assist with basic administration tasks, such as taking messages, processing bookings, updating records, and handling cash or card payments Support the provision of funeral, memorial, and wake services, ensuring sensitivity and professionalism at all times Attend training sessions and work towards achieving your Customer Service apprenticeship qualification, including learning about food hygiene, health & safety, and customer care standards Contribute to the promotion of catering services and community events as required

Training:

Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard:

The apprenticeship training will be delivered in the workplace, as you will receive visits from a college assessor The apprenticeship will also include a proportion of 20% Off The Job Training and a robust programme of Mandatory Apprentice Training provided by Sandwell Council to include Fire Awareness, Prevent, Safeguarding, Data Protection & Cyber Security and Equality & Diversity

Training Outcome:
This apprenticeship is a fixed term 15 month contract However the skills, knowledge and experience gained in this apprenticeship will allow you to gain future opportunities in the sector

Employer Description:
Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. For more information about Sandwell Council’s apprenticeship programme and our recruitment process please visit our YouTube channel. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday between the hours of 8.00am - 3.00pm with occasional evening and weekend working

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Team working,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience,Flexible attitude,Empathy & Sympathy,Adhere to Health & Safety,Wear PPE