At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community engagement projects and assist with various administrative duties.
- Company: East Suffolk Council, dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and a fully funded apprenticeship.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent, strong interpersonal skills, and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 16341 - 24521 € per year.
Location: East Suffolk House, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1RT
Salary: £16,341 (Year 1) rising to £24,521 (Year 2) per annum, national living wage.
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed‑term contract for 21 months, starting 14 September 2026
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people’s lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk.
Responsibilities
This role provides project and administrative support to the Communities Team and to the wider organisation, specifically in relation to community engagement. You will assist the Engagement Lead with delivering a broad range of engagement activities – strategy, survey design, promotion, optimisation, data analysis, co‑production and report writing. You will have the chance to work hands‑on with a variety of projects, from online surveys to in‑person workshops, and may contribute to programmes such as Marmot Place and Pride in Place. Your tasks will cover engagement strategy, soft skills for effective engagement professionals, audience engagement, project management, marketing and communications, stakeholder collaboration, data handling, monitoring and evaluation, reporting and budgeting. Your administrative duties will include updating web content, creating surveys, writing reports and assisting with face‑to‑face engagement activities. This role offers a varied programme, a positive team environment and the opportunity to lead projects of your own.
Qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Aptitude for ICT
- Educated to A-level standard or equivalent
- English and Maths GCSE grades 4–9 or Grade C and above
- Passion to be a positive and professional ambassador for the council and to deliver the best experience for customers
- No previous experience required; full training will be provided
Benefits
- A fully funded and supported Level 4 Community‑based apprenticeship
- Generous holiday entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Local government pension scheme
- Opportunity to meet and work alongside other apprentices in the organisation
- Great training and development opportunities to add to your CV
- A wide variety of staff support networks, including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes
- Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services
Closing and Interview Dates
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 8 June 2026. Interview dates: Week commencing 29 June 2026 and 6 July 2026.
Community Engagement Apprentice in Suffolk employer: East Suffolk Council
East Suffolk Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can truly impact the community. With a strong focus on employee development, generous holiday entitlements, and flexible working arrangements, you will thrive in a supportive culture that values your contributions. As a Community Engagement Apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience while collaborating with passionate colleagues and accessing a wealth of training opportunities to enhance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Apprentice in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research East Suffolk Council and their community projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your skills align with the role. Practice answering common questions and have examples ready that showcase your interpersonal skills and passion for community engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at East Suffolk Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Apprentice in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for community engagement! Share why you’re excited about this role and how you can make a difference in East Suffolk. A personal touch goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team and what unique qualities you bring!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and understand, so make it simple for us!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Suffolk Council
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research East Suffolk and its communities. Understand the key issues they face and think about how you can contribute to community engagement. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
As this role requires excellent interpersonal skills, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with others, whether in school projects or volunteer work. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss how you would handle real-life community engagement scenarios. Brush up on project management basics and think about how you would approach tasks like designing surveys or facilitating workshops. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the types of projects you might work on or how the team measures the success of their engagement activities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
