Salary: £27,781 p.a. inc. London weighting
Apprenticeship duration: Fixed term (30 months)
Hours of work: 36 hours per week with flexibility to work outside of core hours (i.e. evenings and weekends).
Work location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time
Apprenticeship Standard: Trading Standards Apprentice Level 6
Start date: September 2026
Get ahead with a Trading Standards Officer L6 Apprenticeship at Brent Council
Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here.
The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.
Brent Council is committed to the continued expansion and development of all apprenticeship programmes for our residents. Our apprenticeship schemes is just one of the ways we grow our own talent within the borough.
Brief description of the role:
Are you passionate about protecting communities and making a real difference?
Join our Trading Standards team and help keep residents safe, support legitimate businesses, and tackle illegal activity across Brent.
In this role, you will focus on the trading standards work around illicit tobacco and vapes, helping to protect consumers and tackle unsafe and illegal trading practices. Your work will support Brent’s vision for safer, stronger communities and inclusive local growth.
This is an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn, working towards a Level 6 Trading Standards Professional qualification while gaining hands-on experience in enforcement and consumer protection.
This post is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, reflecting its importance in promoting public health and safety.
Key functionalities
Working alongside experienced officers, you will:
- Support the enforcement of Trading Standards and consumer protection legislation across the borough.
- Carry out a broad range of Trading Standards activities, including inspections, investigations, and enforcement action.
- Play a key role in tackling local priorities such as illicit tobacco and vaping products, scams, rogue traders, and unsafe goods.
- Visit local businesses to assess compliance, offering clear, practical guidance to support adherence to regulations.
- Assist with test purchasing operations for age-restricted products.
- Work in partnership with organisations including the Metropolitan Police, HMRC, and London
- Trading Standards to investigate complaints, gather evidence, and support enforcement and legal proceedings.
- Engage with residents, businesses, and community groups to raise awareness, promote compliance, and help protect vulnerable individuals.
- Maintain accurate records and case files using council systems.
- Contribute to Brent’s wider priorities of preventing crime, safeguarding vulnerable residents, and improving public safety.
As you gain experience, you will be:
- Managing your own caseload of investigations
- Leading on targeted enforcement projects and operations
- Preparing reports and case files, including attending court when required
The Person
We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven individual to join our Trading Standards team as an Apprentice Officer.
About You
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the core behaviours, skills, and commitment needed to succeed in a professional apprenticeship:
Community focus: A genuine passion for improving local communities and protecting residents and consumers
Communication skills: The ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and in person, adapting your approach to different audiences
Planning and organisation: Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage your time effectively, and meet deadlines
Learning mindset: A commitment to continuous learning, with the motivation to balance academic study alongside workplace responsibilities
Teamwork and independence: The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, while also taking responsibility for your own work and decisions
Resilience and professionalism: Confidence in handling sensitive, complex, or challenging situations with professionalism and sound judgement
Attention to detail: The ability to gather, record, and manage information accurately
Knowledge and Interest
- An interest in, or basic understanding of, consumer protection, licensing, or business regulation
- An awareness of the role of Trading Standards in protecting the public and supporting fair trading
Additional Requirements
You will also be able to demonstrate:
- Integrity and confidentiality: A clear understanding of the importance of handling information sensitively and in line with regulatory requirements
- Public service ethos: A genuine interest in local government and delivering high-quality services to residents and businesses
- Adaptability: A flexible, positive, and proactive approach to work, with a willingness to take on new challenges
Previous experience in a regulatory or enforcement environment is desirable, but not essential—we are looking for potential, commitment, and a willingness to learn.
Essential requirements and Qualifications
- Three GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
- Two A-Level passes, or equivalent in any subject
- Commitment to completing the Level 6 apprenticeship
- Willingness to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends
- Ability to travel across the borough and to training locations
- Please note a full UK driving License is desirable for this role and will be required upon completion of this training
- This is not a part of the training programme and will have to be managed outside working hours
- Please note we will prioritise Brent residents and Brent students for this programme.
**Please use the supplementary section of the application form or attach a cover letter stating why you are interested in this role, and how you meet the essential requirements as above, without this information will be unable to proceed with your application.
Details on the Apprenticeship
Below is a link to the Apprenticeship Standard that you will be working towards.
Trading Standard L6 Apprenticeship
Why join us?
We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you’ll benefit from:
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS)
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
- Supportive family-friendly policies for parent, guardians, and carers
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment
Next steps:
Closing Date: 06 July 2026 (23:59)
Telephone interview: 09 July 2026
Face to Face interview date: 16 July 2026
Additional Information
If you are interested in applying for this job, please start by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application that clearly shows how you meet the essential requirements on the Job description. We will accept a CV in support of your application, however, you should still provide a supporting statement.
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Standards Officer L6 Apprenticeship
✨Get Involved with Local Community Projects
The government and public sector thrive on community engagement, so volunteering for local community projects or councils can give you a leg up. Not only does it boost your CV, but it also puts you in touch with folks who might be part of the hiring teams or know about upcoming apprenticeship opportunities.
✨Utilise Apprenticeship Fairs and Talks
Make the most of apprenticeship fairs and local talks aimed at young people in your area. They're a goldmine for networking and finding out firsthand about companies and their hiring processes, plus you can ask questions about what it’s really like working for organisations like Borough of Brent.
✨Follow Government Initiatives on Social Media
Check out social media channels where public sector initiatives and job roles are advertised. Many public sector organisations post updates on apprenticeships and related events, so be sure to follow them and engage with their content. This way, you’ll be in the loop when it comes to opportunities at places like Borough of Brent.
✨Apply Early and Keep It Personal
Apprenticeships can be super competitive, so don't wait until the last minute to throw your hat in the ring! When applying, keep your application personal and show off your passion for the public sector – it's all about how you can contribute to the mission of organisations like Borough of Brent. Our website is a great place to keep an eye out for openings!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Soft Skills:In the public sector, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are key. Make sure your CV highlights experiences that demonstrate these skills, perhaps through school projects or volunteering. We love seeing how you interact with your community!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Fit:Your cover letter is your chance to express your enthusiasm for the role. Specifically mention why working at Borough of Brent in the government-public sector excites you and how this apprenticeship will help you grow. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
Research, Research, Research!:Before applying, dive into Borough of Brent’s values and recent projects. Showing that you understand what we stand for and how you can contribute can really make your application pop. It lets us know you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Highlight Any Relevant Experience:Even if it’s just part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work, include any experience that relates to the public sector. If you've worked on community initiatives or school councils, be sure to mention those. We want to see your commitment to public service!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Brent
✨Know Your Local Issues
In the public sector, it's crucial to be in tune with the issues affecting your community. Make sure you can discuss local challenges and how you would approach solving them. This shows your commitment and awareness of the sector!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Service
For an apprenticeship in the government sector, it’s all about your motivation. Be ready to talk about why you want to serve your community and how you can bring enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the role with Borough of Brent.
✨Brush Up on Relevant Policies
Expect questions about specific policies or frameworks relevant to your desired position. Familiarise yourself with recent legislation or initiatives related to Borough of Brent and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these efforts in the role of Trading Standards Officer L6 Apprenticeship.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an apprenticeship, demonstrating your eagerness to learn is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you plan to develop your skills further while working with Borough of Brent.
