At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Trading Standards team to protect consumers and support businesses while gaining practical experience.
- Company: Luton Council is dedicated to community protection and improving lives through its ambitious Luton 2040 Vision.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, generous leave, and a supportive environment with career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while earning a nationally recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and maths (grades 4–9 / A–C) or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills required.
- Other info: Ideal for motivated individuals ready to start by October 2025; no sponsorship available.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 29500 £ per year.
About The Job
Salary: £27,254– £29,540 a year pro rata
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Fixed term for 4 years
Are you ready to start your career in protecting consumers and supporting businesses?
Luton Council’s Trading Standards team is offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated and community-minded individual to join us as a Trading Services Apprentice. This role is ideal for someone looking to gain practical experience while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.
As a Trading Services Apprentice, You Will
- Undertake comprehensive training and development to successfully complete the relevant qualification.
- Assist in delivering both reactive and planned workloads within the Trading Standards service.
- Provide professional advice and support to residents, businesses, and other council departments—within your competency level.
- Help ensure fair trading practices and consumer protection across Luton.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About You
You will need to demonstrate:
- Confidence in communicating clearly and authoritatively with a range of audiences.
- Analytical thinking to undertake investigations and present findings effectively.
- The ability to interpret legislation and statutory guidance to support informed decision-making.
- Effective time management to balance priorities and meet deadlines.
- A collaborative and independent working style.
- Proficiency in using MS Office (Word, Excel) and general IT literacy.
- Our ideal candidate must be able to start by end of October 2025
- To be eligible for the funding for training, you must have lived in the UK, Gibraltar, EEA, Switzerland, or EU overseas territories for at least the previous 3 years (exemptions may apply for refugees) Please email LBC Apprenticeships LBCApprenticeships@luton.gov.uk if you need further information.
You Should Also Have
- Some experience of interacting with the public or businesses.
- A basic understanding of the UK legal system—particularly criminal law and consumer rights.
- An awareness of equality issues and their impact on communities.
- Essential Qualifications: GCSE English and maths (grades 4–9 / A–C) or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills.
- Ability to meet the transport requirements of the role.
- A flexible and proactive approach to working.
What You’ll Gain
- A nationally recognised qualification funded by Luton Council.
- Valuable on-the-job training in a vital area of public service.
- The chance to make a real difference to consumers and businesses in your community.
- A supportive team environment and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Apply Now and Take the First Step in Your Trading Standards Career!
Join a service that works at the heart of community protection. Help shape a fairer and safer marketplace for all.
About Us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough
Application Process
On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.
Benefits
We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:
- From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
How To Apply
We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!
Our ‘How to apply\’ page has more tips to help with your application: How to apply #J-18808-Ljbffr
Trading Standards Apprenticeship employer: Luton Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Standards Apprenticeship
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Trading Standards framework and current consumer protection laws. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local community groups or forums related to consumer rights. This will give you practical insights and examples to discuss during your application process, showcasing your commitment to community service.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills by volunteering or taking part in public speaking events. Being able to communicate clearly and confidently is crucial for this role, and real-life practice can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former Trading Standards professionals. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to make your application stand out when you apply through our website.
We think you need these skills to ace Trading Standards Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Trading Standards role. Emphasise any experience you have in customer service, communication, or understanding of legal systems.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying. Mention your interest in consumer protection and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for the apprenticeship.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your GCSE English and maths qualifications or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills. If you have any additional certifications or training related to law or consumer rights, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, demonstrate your analytical thinking, time management, and collaborative working style. Use specific examples from past experiences to illustrate these skills effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Borough Council
✨Research the Role and Company
Before your interview, take some time to research Luton Council and its Trading Standards team. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've had to investigate a situation or provide support to others, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the apprenticeship.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role requires clear communication with various audiences, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain complex concepts simply, so think about how you can convey information effectively.
✨Show Your Understanding of Consumer Rights
Having a basic understanding of consumer rights and the UK legal system is crucial for this role. Brush up on relevant legislation and be prepared to discuss how it impacts consumers and businesses, demonstrating your commitment to fair trading practices.