Apprentice Trading Standards Officer in London

Have you got good interpersonal skills? Do you enjoy working with people and the public? Do you have a keen eye for detail and are you interested in problem solving? If so, read on.

Our apprenticeships combine working in a great job with training, development and a competitive salary. You will be given dedicated time each week to focus on your studies and will have access to a network of colleagues and tutors to support your learning.

The Trading Standards apprenticeship is a 36‑month opportunity to learn and to provide support to the Trading Standards team. Trading Standards is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws covering many areas, from product safety to vapes and tobacco labelling, sales laws, misleading pricing, and weights and measures. Your duties will include a special role in assisting the team in enforcing the provisions that regulate tobacco and vapes, where many changes are being brought in from 2027. You will gain an understanding of the work of the team and will work in a supported learning environment while working towards a nationally recognised Level Trading Standards Professional (Tobacco and Vapes legislation) apprenticeship.

To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:

• Be aged 16 or above and an Islington resident or care leaver or school leaver in the last 12 months.
• Be connected to Islington through completion of studies at an Islington college or university in the last 2 years (Graduate/degree level positions only).

You will also need to satisfy the following course entry requirements:

• Not already have a qualification at the same level or above in this apprenticeship subject.
• Not have extensive skills or experience in this apprenticeship subject.
• Pass the course entry test(s) for example in Maths and English.
• Provide evidence of the minimum qualification requirement of 2 A levels (or equivalent) and 4 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English language and maths (or equivalent).

Closing Date: Monday 27th July 2026 at 23:59

Interview Day: w/c 10th August 2026

Apprenticeship Start Date: September 2026 (TBC)

Benefits:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work‑life balance, and a 35‑hour working week.
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
• Excellent local government pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more.

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage. We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve.

We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Proof of address, evidence of any name changes (if applicable), right to work in the UK, overseas criminal record check (if applicable), satisfactory references, occupational health clearance, evidence of professional qualifications or registrations, DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment.

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.