Environmental Health Officer/Practitioner Apprentice – closing date 11.08.2026
Salary from £25,836 to £26,793 pa (pro rata) plus lease car cash alternative of £2,080 pa
Temporary for 4.5 years. 35 hours per week
Location: Ashford, Kent
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Environmental Health team as an Environmental Health Officer/Practitioner Apprentice.
This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands on experience across a wide range of Environmental Health functions while studying towards a Level 6 Environmental Health Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship.
Over the course of the programme, you will rotate across key service areas, including:
- Food Safety
- Health & Safety
- Environmental Protection
- Private Sector Housing
- Licensing
- Public Health
- Port Health
- Business Support
You will play a key role in supporting the Council’s statutory and discretionary duties, helping to protect public health and improve environmental standards across the borough.
About the Apprenticeship training
- 4-year integrated degree apprenticeship (Environmental Health Practitioner BSc (Hons))
- Blended learning approach including:
- Work-based learning
- Academic modules and workshops
- Professional supervision and mentoring
Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to progress towards becoming a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner (CIEH).
As an apprentice, you will be supporting Environmental Health Officers in delivering inspections, investigations and enforcement activity, responding to service requests, complaints and enquiries from residents and businesses, along with:
- Collecting and analysing data to support compliance and enforcement decisions
- Assisting with inspections of premises to assess risks to public health, including housing, food establishments and workplaces
- Contributing to projects, policy development and service improvement initiatives
- Undertaking sampling and using specialist equipment under supervision
Passionate about improving public health and environmental standards you will be committed to learning and developing a professional career in Environmental Health, along with being:
- Organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities
- A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
You will also be comfortable working in a variety of environments, including outdoor and potentially challenging inspection settings.
In order to be accepted onto accredited Environmental Health degree apprenticeship it is essential that you have a good educational background including English, Science and Mathematics to a minimum of GCSE Grade 4 or you will need to demonstrate an equivalent route accepted by the university delivering the apprenticeship.
You will need to have full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide.
Environmental Health Officer/Practitioner Apprentice in Ashford employer: Ashford Borough Council
Ashford Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and growth. As a Regulatory Compliance Apprentice, you will benefit from hands-on experience in a vital sector while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working in the vibrant community of Ashford, Kent. With a commitment to fostering a strong interest in regulatory and environmental health, this role provides a meaningful pathway to a rewarding career.
