At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Senior Leadership Team and provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Coventry City Council is dedicated to inclusivity and community representation in its workforce.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a great pension scheme, and access to accredited courses.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term apprenticeship for 21 months with on-the-job training.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact while developing essential skills for your career.
- Qualifications: We seek proactive individuals with strong communication skills and a passion for excellent service.
Our Values
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.
- Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
- Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
- Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
- Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
- Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
- Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
What is the job role?
Kickstart Your Career with Customer Services!
Become a Customer Services Apprentice – Your Future Starts Here! Customer Services is offering multiple exciting apprenticeship opportunities across our dynamic teams – and we want YOU to be part of it!
Whether you're passionate about helping people, curious about how Customer Services runs behind the scenes, or eager to build skills that open doors to long‑term career success, this is your chance to shine.
Work with over 20 different teams providing fast‑paced services.
Gain hands‑on experience in customer‑facing roles and administrative support – not all roles involve direct contact!
Be part of a service that supports over 40 Council functions – from housing and highways to elections and social care.
Receive on‑the‑job training while completing a Level 3 Business Administration or Customer Services specialist Apprenticeship, depending on your placement.
This apprenticeship role is a fixed‑term contract of 21 months, in line with the duration of the apprenticeship training. All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK; we are not offering sponsorship for this role.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Answer customer enquiries via phone, email, or face‑to‑face.
- Raise service requests using customer relationship management and internal systems.
- Manage team inboxes and prioritise tasks.
- Order goods and services, raise invoices.
- Support project and improvement work with administration and data analysis.
- Publish updates and maintain information platforms.
- Perform basic financial and statistical calculations.
You'll be supported every step of the way by experienced colleagues and mentors. This apprenticeship is more than a job – it's a gateway to a rewarding career with the Council. Many of our apprentices go on to secure permanent roles with potential to grow into leadership positions.
Where You’ll Work
From our buzzing Telephone & Digital Contact Centre to specialist teams such as Resident Experience, Risk & Assurance, and Community Support, you will be placed where your strengths shine and your potential grows.
Ready to make an impact? If you’re enthusiastic, eager to learn, and want to be part of something bigger – start your journey with Customer Services. Your future is calling. Answer it!
Who Are We Looking For?
- Care about delivering an excellent service to every internal and external customer.
- Excellent communication skills, confident in face‑to‑face, telephone, and written activity.
- Ability to support a diverse customer base.
- Ability to deliver in a fast‑paced environment.
- Ability to respond to change positively.
- To be flexible to the needs of the service.
- Good IT skills.
- An understanding of the range of services provided by the council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you must meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the following criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- Individuals who are currently in care or have previously been in care.
- Individuals who consider themselves to be disabled or who have a long‑term health condition.
Benefits
We offer a rewards and benefits package that includes:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- An outstanding local government pension scheme.
- Great opportunities to develop with access to accredited courses.
- Access to an award‑winning Occupational Health Service.
- Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
Further information for this apprenticeship can be found on: https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeship-standards/st0070-v1-0
Customer Services Apprentice in Coventry employer: Coventry City Council
Coventry City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued within the workforce. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to accredited courses and a supportive work environment that fosters growth and innovation. Located in the vibrant heart of Coventry, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering excellent customer service while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Services Apprentice in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Coventry City Council's One Coventry Values. Understanding these values will help you align your responses during the interview and demonstrate that you share their commitment to inclusivity and community service.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the fast-paced environment by practising your communication skills. Role-play common customer service scenarios with friends or family to build confidence in handling various enquiries effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the range of services provided by Coventry City Council. Being knowledgeable about what the council offers will not only impress your interviewers but also help you understand how to assist customers better.
✨Tip Number 4
Take advantage of the Job Shop support services. They can provide valuable insights into the application process and help you prepare for the pre-interview assessments, ensuring you're well-equipped for each stage.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Services Apprentice in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Customer Services Apprentice role. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear and concise language in your CV and cover letter, and provide examples of your communication skills in action.
Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity:Coventry City Council values diversity and inclusion. In your application, mention any experiences or perspectives that demonstrate your commitment to these values. This could include volunteer work, community involvement, or personal experiences.
Prepare for Assessments:Be aware that there will be a pre-interview assessment for Maths and English. Brush up on your skills in these areas and consider practicing common interview questions related to customer service to prepare yourself for the final interview.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Customer Services Apprentice. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, such as managing calls and supporting the Senior Leadership Team. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to take on the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires excellent communication skills, be prepared to showcase your ability to communicate effectively. Practice answering questions clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully communicated in past experiences.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
The job is in a fast-paced environment, so it's crucial to show that you can adapt to changing situations. Think of examples from your past where you've had to adjust quickly to new challenges or changes in plans, and be ready to discuss these during your interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Coventry City Council values diversity and inclusion highly. Be prepared to discuss why these values are important to you and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. This could involve sharing personal experiences or insights on how diverse perspectives enhance teamwork and service delivery.
