At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a key contact for customers, resolving queries and ensuring a smooth service experience.
- Company: Join Crawford's Agricultural Machinery, a leader in farm machinery and 4x4 vehicle services.
- Benefits: Earn an apprenticeship wage, enjoy bonuses, and receive ongoing training and mentorship.
- Other info: Work full-time, gain a recognised qualification, and enjoy 22 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in customer service with hands-on experience and clear progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm to learn, GCSE Level 4 in Maths and English preferred.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 £ per year.
Job Location: Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9HZ
Hours: Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm (overtime as required and alternate Saturdays as agreed)
Apprenticeship Level: Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner
Duration: 12 months (including End Point Assessment)
About the Company: Crawford's Agricultural Machinery, founded in October 1980, specialises in sales, servicing and parts for farm machinery and 4×4 vehicles, serving customers across East and South East England.
About the Role: As an Apprentice Customer Service Representative, you will become a trusted point of contact for customers, supporting them with enquiries and needs. You’ll also gain experience handling more complex or technical queries and help ensure a smooth and professional customer journey from start to finish.
What We Offer:
- Apprenticeship Minimum Wage + performance‑related bonus scheme
- Full‑time employment with Crawford's Group
- Recognised Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner qualification
- Ongoing training, mentorship and career development
- Clear progression opportunities within the business
- Hands‑on experience
- 22 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Company Healthcare Scheme
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the first point of contact for customer service enquiries
- Communicate effectively with internal departments and customers to resolve queries
- Maintain up‑to‑date product and technical knowledge
- Support continuous improvement in the customer experience
- Provide timely and accurate quotations and process orders
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to meet service standards and customer expectations
What You'll Learn:
- The full customer journey and how to manage customer expectations effectively
- Professional communication skills, both verbal and written
- Techniques for resolving complaints and handling escalated queries
- How to use industry IT systems and digital tools
- The impact of customer service on business performance
- Commercial awareness and how to make cost‑conscious decisions
- Regulatory knowledge and industry best practices
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
- Behave following the values of the company and the brand
- Operate as an effective team member
- Take responsibility when needed and be honest and accountable
- Take personal ownership to improve own performance
- Understand how the business works from an operational perspective and demonstrate commercial awareness
Essential Skills:
- Enthusiasm to kickstart a career and eagerness to learn
- Ability to stand out, challenge preconceptions, think forward and be proactive
- Ability to prioritise and work within timelines
- Willingness to work in a customer‑focused environment using your own initiative
- Full UK Driving licence is preferred but not essential
- Must have or expect to gain GCSE Level 4 or above in Maths and English (or be working towards these qualifications)
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Apprentice - Billingshurst, West Sussex
✨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 GTG Training.
✨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 GTG Training. 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 Apprentice - Billingshurst, West Sussex
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 GTG Training.
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 GTG Training 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 GTG Training
✨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 GTG Training. 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 GTG Training 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!
