At a Glance
- Tasks: Support regulatory functions and gain a Trading Standards qualification in Tobacco and Vapes.
- Company: Coventry City Council, committed to community growth and safety.
- Benefits: Fully funded apprenticeship, on-the-job training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with guaranteed interviews for specific groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on consumer protection while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above and two A Levels (or equivalent).
Regulatory Services is a service area within Coventry City Council which supports the growth and regulation of the city. The vision and commitment of the team ensures there is a robust platform to guide the delivery of sustainable development, ensuring the protection of Coventry Citizens and supporting the growth of local business.
The Regulation Service is made up of multi-disciplinary professionals including Licensing, Trading Standards, Food and Safety, Housing Enforcement, Property Licensing and Building Control. These services embrace a range of service areas used by the community which primarily involves people, businesses or organisations needing to obtain some form of consent within the law or are required to comply with various legal provisions.
The service area aims to:
- Ensure that the public, visitors, workers and residents of Coventry have the right to a healthy and safe work and domestic environment;
- Treat all regulated persons and businesses in a fair and consistent manner, through a process of education, persuasion and enforcement, ensuring that the public and businesses observe the law, and
- Protect public health and the wider environment, whilst minimising disruption to enterprise or economic activity and reducing the legislative burden on complaint and business.
We are seeking a positive and enthusiastic individual who cares about the development of our great city to join our busy, top performing, forward thinking Regulation Services.
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.
Our Values are:
- 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?
Would you like to gain a Trading Standards Professional (Tobacco and Vape) qualification and a wide variety of experience in supporting the delivery of our regulatory functions?
If you are looking to develop a career in Trading Standards then this new role may be just what you have been waiting for. A new and exciting opportunity to join our Trading Standards Team as a Tobacco and Vape Apprentice has arisen following receiving funding from the Department of Health and Social Care. This is a four year, hybrid, fully funded, fixed term position until 1st December 2029.
We are looking for an individual who is; passionate about consumer protection and the role Trading Standards have, has excellent attention to detail, acts in a professional and personable manner who can remain calm and confident under pressure along with the ability to communicate well.
All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.
This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Who are we looking for?
We do not require any previous Trading Standards experience, but do require applicants to have the dedication and commitment to undertake the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional (Tobacco and Vape) Apprenticeship.
We require 5 GCSE\' grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), including Maths and English Language and two A Levels (or equivalent).
We will provide on-the-job training across all aspects of Trading Standards, delivered by our supportive and experienced team members
You will undertake the Level 6 Trading Professional Apprenticeship (Tobacco & Vapes legislation). Further information for this apprenticeship can be found on: https://www.csa-uk.com/mpage/l6-trading-standards-tobaccovapes
This apprenticeship role is a fixed-term contract for 4 years in line with the length of the apprenticeship training.
If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you\'ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled \'Coventry City Council Application Process\'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.
Interview date:6th November 2025, with a start date of 1st December 2025
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.
We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse. At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.
To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.
If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies
Trading Standards Apprentice (Tobacco and Vapes) in Coventry employer: Coventry City Council
Coventry City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee development and community impact. As a Trading Standards Apprentice, you will receive comprehensive on-the-job training while working alongside experienced professionals in a vibrant city known for its innovative spirit. With a commitment to diversity and a robust benefits package, Coventry City Council empowers its employees to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading Standards Apprentice (Tobacco and Vapes) in Coventry
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Coventry City Council looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Trading Standards Apprentice (Tobacco and Vapes) in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Coventry City Council. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Coventry City Council’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
