Trading Standards Professional Apprentice

You’ll be part of the Trading Standards Team, who are friendly and supportive and will offer a varied and interesting workload.  No two days are ever the same.  You’ll be provided with a wide variety of work experience opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in a number of enforcement activities as required by the qualification. 

The Trading Standards Team enforce various laws in relation to consumer protection to ensure that members of the public are not ripped off by unscrupulous traders and ensure unsafe or illegal items are not being sold. This really is your opportunity to start an exciting and varied career where you will make a huge difference to the Thurrock Community. 

In this type of role, you will be performing a variety of duties, but your main responsibilities will include:

Supporting Trading Standards Officers with investigations and their enforcement actions Advising businesses and consumers on Trading Standards legislation Gaining hands‑on experience across a broad range of consumer protection work Playing a key role in enforcing tobacco and vape regulations, including tackling illicit and underage sales Studying for the Fast Track L6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship condensing the usual 3 years into 2 intensive years

Training:

You will study towards the Level 6 Trading Standards Practitioner Apprenticeship. This is a fast‑track Level 6 degree‑level Trading Standards Practitioner Apprenticeship, designed for people who are serious about becoming a fully qualified Trading Standards Officer as quickly as possible.

You’ll be condensing the usual three years of study into two intensive years, learning on the job while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. It’s challenging, fast‑paced and rewarding to study at degree level, so it’s important you’re comfortable with academic study alongside a demanding job, but you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll be fully supported by an experienced, friendly Trading Standards team and a specialist training provider.

You will be practising the skills learned in your day-to-day job where you’ll be provided with a wide variety of work experience opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in a number of enforcement activities as required by the qualification.  

Your office base will be at the Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, Essex, but the role is varied and flexible. You’ll also be expected to work from home some of the time and be out and about on-site, visiting businesses and communities. 

Apprenticeship study will be undertaken within normal working hours with 2 days per week off the job training however there is an expectation that some independent study will be done in your own time. Time will be allocated to attend training and complete assignments, workbooks, online training etc. as required by the qualification.  

Training Outcome:

This will be offered under a 3-year Contract. At the end of your apprenticeship, you will be supported to further your career.

Employer Description:
Our vision – An ambitious and collaborative community which is proud of its heritage and excited by its diverse opportunities and future. Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome. We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

Working Hours :
37 hours per week. Normal working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4.30pm, Fridays with a 30-minute lunch break.

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,Highly motivated,Willingness to learn,Confident communications,Friendly and professional