At a Glance
- Tasks: Support customer enquiries and ensure top-notch service delivery.
- Company: Citizen, a community-focused organisation providing secure homes.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience with potential for a permanent role.
- Other info: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm, with training from Solihull College.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; customer service skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32907 £ per year.
Reporting to Team Leader, you will support the Customer Service Centre Manager and Team Leaders to ensure the delivery of a highly customer focused and cost-effective customer service.
At Citizen, we offer more than just places to live, we provide homes that are a foundation for life. That’s because we believe being a Citizen means being part of something bigger and belonging to a community where everyone has a voice, respect, and can access support when they need it most. From our rented homes to our award-winning regeneration projects, we’re passionate about providing homes that support our customers to live well and feel secure.
What You'll Do
- Be responsible for handling a variety of customer enquiries via the telephone, digital channels and electronically, responding to service requests and conducting surveys.
- Liaise with internal and external colleagues and customers, promoting the CSC and the organisation positively.
- Receive customer service and repairs enquiries, over the telephone, digital and electronically; diagnosing problems, advising customers, arranging appointments, liaising with colleagues and contractors as appropriate and taking payments in accordance with quality and performance standards.
- Keep accurate records and updating systems to enable reporting against performance indicators.
- Take ownership and responsibility for dealing with customer enquiries through to a satisfactory resolution within performance targets.
Training Outcome
The apprentice will have the opportunity to progress into a full-time, permanent role with the company.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Assertive if necessary
- Ability to work under pressure
- Work to tight deadlines
Qualifications
- Essential - GCSE - English - 4 or above
- Essential - GCSE - Maths - 4 or above
- Desired - NVQ - Customer Service - pass
Course Information
- Course: Customer service specialist (level 3)
- Level: 3
- Route: Sales, marketing and procurement
- Apprenticeship Level: Advanced
Working Arrangements
- Working Week: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
- Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months
- Training Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
Customer Service Centre Apprenticeship employer: Citizen Housing Group Limited
Citizen Housing Group Limited is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant West Midlands, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and growth. As a Customer Service Apprentice, you will benefit from comprehensive training provided by Solihull College, alongside a clear pathway to a permanent role, ensuring a meaningful start to your career in housing. Join us to be part of a team that values collaboration and customer satisfaction, while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
Contact Details:
Citizen Housing Group Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Centre Apprenticeship
✨Get to Know Your Local Businesses
For an apprenticeship in customer support, don’t hesitate to pop into local shops or businesses. They might not have job postings up, but often they’re looking for eager apprentices who can learn on the job. Approach them with confidence and express your interest.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities focused on customer support. Places like Reddit or specific Facebook groups are goldmines for advice and networking. You never know who might be looking for an apprentice or have insider tips about openings at places like Citizen Housing Group Limited.
✨Tap Into Your School’s Resources
Make sure to use your school’s career services. They often have connections with companies looking for apprentices, which can give you a head start. Plus, they can help you polish your interview skills to shine during those crucial moments.
✨Show Your Passion Online
Create a simple portfolio showcasing any relevant experience, even if it's just customer service experience from part-time gigs. Share it on platforms like LinkedIn to make yourself more visible to employers like Citizen Housing Group Limited. It’s all about getting your name out there and showing you’re keen to learn!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Centre Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your communication skills!:In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. When writing your application, make sure to highlight any relevant experience where you've had to support or assist others, whether that's in a job, volunteering, or even in school projects. We want to see how you express yourself and ensure that your enthusiasm comes through!
Tailor your CV to the support role:Your CV should reflect skills that are essential for customer support, like patience, problem-solving, and empathy. Highlight any instances where you've handled difficult situations or resolved conflicts, even if they're not from a formal job. This is your chance to prove that you have the right mindset for an apprenticeship with us at Citizen Housing Group Limited.
Include relevant coursework or certifications:If you've taken any courses related to customer service or communications, shout about them! This could be anything from online courses to workshops. Certifications show us you're serious about getting into the field and help us see your commitment to learning more in your apprenticeship.
Express your willingness to learn:Since this is an apprenticeship, showing that you’re eager to learn and grow is really important. In your cover letter, share specific reasons why you want to join Citizen Housing Group Limited and how you're looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in customer support. We love candidates who are enthusiastic and ready to dive into the learning process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizen Housing Group Limited
✨Mastering Communication Skills
As a customer support apprentice, showcasing your verbal and written communication skills is essential. Think about past experiences where you've had to resolve issues or clarify misunderstandings – be ready to discuss these during your interview. Remember, it's all about demonstrating your ability to empathise with customers and provide effective solutions.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Get familiar with the products or services offered by Citizen Housing Group Limited. Being knowledgeable about what they sell not only shows your interest but also helps you answer possible technical questions about how you’d assist customers. Prepare to discuss how you would approach learning about new products and your strategy for staying updated.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect interviewers to throw some real-life scenarios at you. Prepare for questions about how to handle difficult customers or complaints. They want to see how well you can think on your feet and apply your customer service skills in challenging situations. Try role-playing with a friend to feel more prepared!
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Since you’re applying for an apprenticeship, the hiring team at Citizen Housing Group Limited will be looking for your motivation to learn and grow. Be ready to express your eagerness to absorb knowledge from seasoned professionals and how you plan to contribute to the team's success. Show them that you're not just looking for a job, but a pathway to build your skills!