Visitor Experience & Customer Service Apprentice within the Education Team at Forge Mill Farm

Assist the Education Team in welcoming and guiding visitor groups, providing opportunities and experiences unique to Forge Mill Farm Lead and deliver, with supervision, school and group visits to Forge Mill Farm and Sandwell Valley. Build skills and confidence with the aim of delivering programmes independently by the end of the apprenticeship Work daily with children, young people, and farm animals, helping participants experience something new, grow in confidence, and gain knowledge. Activities include farm tours, food preparation, woodland challenges, growing and harvesting food, cleaning pens, and feeding animals Support the Education Team with school visit bookings, sending information packs, and updating the education calendar Prepare learning spaces by setting up tables, chairs, equipment, resources, drinks, animal food, and activity cards Reset spaces after visits, cleaning and storing equipment, tables, and benches Carry out cleaning duties to keep learning spaces tidy and welcoming, e.g., sweeping, mopping, and emptying bins after sessions Work with visitors of all ages and abilities, including very young children, vulnerable people, and those with disabilities, as well as large school groups Assist the Education Team in compiling feedback and data, including entry into internal systems Work every other weekend, supporting the day-to-day running of the Gift Shop, Reception Area, and Natural Play Barn. Duties include answering phones, taking bookings, serving customers, operating the till, and general administration Carry out cleaning duties in the shop, reception, and play barn to ensure all areas remain welcoming throughout the day Support with emergencies and incidents such as spillages, sickness, lost children, or animal escapes Gain experience across other teams, assisting where needed within the wider visitor attraction

Training:

Customer Service Practitioner Level 2.

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 12-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 :
Hours of work are typically 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Sunday. You will work 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis, including alternate weekends, with some evenings and Bank Holidays required in line with the Events Timetable.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Team working,Initiative,Maintain confidentiality,Data Protection,Flexible attitude,Approachable manner,Polite and friendly,Positive attitude,Wear PPE/Council uniform,Presentable & Professional