At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of City College Plymouth, assisting with enquiries and managing the reception area.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest education providers, dedicated to student success and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work culture, training opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in customer service while contributing to a vibrant educational environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!
- Other info: Complete a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship while working.
At City College Plymouth, one of the country’s largest providers of quality education and training, we are going through a period of transition to enable us to propel education into the future. We pride ourselves on delivering a learning environment and organisational culture that impacts positively on the health, wellbeing and sustainability of our community and enables all our students and staff to achieve their full potential.
City College Plymouth is home to thousands of bright and enthusiastic students and 650 talented and experienced staff. You will be joining a college that is proud of its culture, where our core values of Respect, Ownership and Integrity are there to nurture and support a passion for teaching and learning, enriching our community through knowledge, experience and skills enabling every student to be the best they can be. City College Plymouth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The College is an equal opportunities employer.
To support the Reception & Customer Services team in providing a comprehensive reception and information service to all external and internal customers and ensure that details of all enquiries are captured on the College’s enquiry system, complying with General Data Protection Regulations, and that all information requests are fulfilled.
Responsibilities:- Provide an effective first point of contact for all internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide an information service and access to the specialist teams within the College, as well as signposting to external support agencies.
- Ensure that all enquiry details are collected and maintained in line with College procedures and the General Data Protection Regulations.
- Ensure e-mails for the generic College account are responded to within 24 working hours.
- Manage the VIP parking area, including communicating with visitors and liaising with the Estates team to ensure reserved parking spaces are managed effectively.
- Manage the presentation and the functionality of the reception, information and visitors’ area, ensuring high standards.
- Assist the Events & Schools Liaison team with the running of all recruitment, student celebration and corporate events and in representing and promoting the College at external events/exhibitions. This may require attendance at College, or external venues for additional evenings or weekend work.
- Liaise with other College departments and maintain a flexible approach at all times.
- Undertake such other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may reasonably be required and you will be required to be trained to administer first aid, if necessary.
In this role, you will be required to undertake the Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship, which is combined with additional business administration units. The training will be delivered in the workplace through assessment visits. On completion of the programme, you will complete an End Point Assessment. The delivery of training will take 12 months with an additional 3 months added to complete the end point assessment. Functional Skills in maths and English, if required.
Monday- Friday Hours TBC
Contact Detail:
City College Plymouth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reception & Customer Service Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the core values of City College Plymouth: Respect, Ownership, and Integrity. Demonstrating an understanding of these values during your interactions can show that you align with the college's culture and mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by engaging in role-play scenarios. This will help you prepare for the diverse range of enquiries you might face at the reception, ensuring you can respond confidently and effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) as they relate to customer service. Understanding how to handle personal data responsibly will be crucial in this role and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of City College Plymouth if possible. They can provide insights into the work environment and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Reception & Customer Service Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Reception & Customer Service Apprentice position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft a Strong CV: Create a CV that showcases your relevant experience, skills, and education. Emphasise any customer service experience or roles where you have demonstrated strong communication and organisational skills.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the college's mission. Mention specific examples of how you embody their core values of Respect, Ownership, and Integrity, and explain why you want to work in a customer service environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a customer-facing role.
How to prepare for a job interview at City College Plymouth
✨Show Enthusiasm for Customer Service
Make sure to express your passion for helping others during the interview. City College Plymouth values a positive attitude and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, so share any relevant experiences where you've gone above and beyond for customers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the College's Values
Before the interview, take some time to understand the core values of Respect, Ownership, and Integrity that City College Plymouth upholds. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and interactions with others.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed customer inquiries or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your capability in a reception role.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
As the role involves managing enquiries and maintaining high standards at the reception, be ready to talk about your organisational skills. Share specific examples of how you have effectively managed multiple tasks or prioritised responsibilities in previous roles or experiences.