At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with visitors, provide excellent customer service, and support our mission to protect nature.
- Company: Join the National Trust and be part of a team dedicated to tackling climate change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and discounts on gym memberships and shopping.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful historic parkland and gain valuable skills for your future.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with an apprenticeship while making a positive impact on the environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 24785 - 24785 £ per year.
Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship where we will support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to tackle climate change, protect historic sites and help people and nature thrive.
You don't need experience for this role, just enthusiasm and a desire to learn.
Great visitor experiences are part of our nature and we believe everyone should feel welcomed, appreciated and more engaged because of the excellent service you provide.
This role would suit anyone with enthusiasm for delivering great customer service.
On successful completion you will have a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Intermediate Apprenticeship and eligibility to join the Institute of Customer Service as an Individual member at Professional level, taking your first steps towards a career in customer service or hospitality.
What it's like to work here
No two days will be the same.
You can expect to meet many different people and gain a broad experience across all the areas you will be working in.
You'll get involved in tasks such as greeting visitors, restocking the shop, clearing tables in the café, and most importantly, talking to visitors, answering their questions and ensuring they can find everything they need to enjoy their day with us.
A unique opportunity to work at the Thames Valley Group.
Basildon Park will be your primary site, covering 400 acres of historic parkland surrounding an 18th century Palladian country house restored by Lord & Lady Iliffe in the 1950s.
Over the next 12 months we will work on the growth of our exciting programming, such as creating and delivering engaging visitor experiences like our Silhouettes of Society exhibition.
With access to our beautiful rose garden, woodland walks and carefully restored parkland, you will work weekly with our operational teams to help create an accessible and welcoming experience for our visitors.
What you'll be doing
Working alongside your workplace mentor on tasks specific to the apprenticeship, you will develop the skills and knowledge relevant to the apprenticeship standard Customer Service Practitioner Level 2.
Your apprenticeship training will be delivered by a Learning Coach who will visit you in the workplace every 4‑6 weeks, teaching and learning sessions held online, and lots of on‑the‑job learning and support every day in the workplace.
You'll attend regular review meetings with your training provider and be accountable for your own progression.
You'll be required to complete mandatory e‑learning, courses and training provided.
Who we're looking for
Eligibility criteria by the start date of the role
- A minimum of 2 GCSEs including English and maths at grade E/2, Functional Skills Level 1 or equivalent (or EHCP with Entry Level 3 in English and maths).
- Aged 16 or over and have completed Year 11.
- Have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the past three consecutive years.
- Not currently on any other training or education programme (e. g. another apprenticeship or a degree).
- Able to travel to the work location.
If you are aged 18 or under at enrolment and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you will be enrolled on Functional Skills Level 2 as part of your apprenticeship.
If you are 19 or over, this will be optional, but we will support you to complete it when offered.
We would love to hear from you if you're
- Ready to start your apprenticeship - no experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm.
- Positive, curious and up for learning - motivated, open minded and keen to grow.
- Confident to speak and happy to listen - you help people feel heard and included.
- A great team player - flexible, supportive and comfortable adapting when needed.
- Able to follow instructions and stay safe - especially when using tools and equipment.
- Focused on giving great service - you care about helping others and doing a good job.
- Friendly and respectful - especially when working with volunteers and the wider community.
- The package
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary.
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18).
- Season ticket loan.
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria).
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts.
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- National Trust place
- Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR
- Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination.
You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert.
We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk.
If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Apprentice - Level 2 24,785 pa
✨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 Job Search Place Limited.
✨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 Job Search Place Limited. 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 - Level 2 24,785 pa
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 Job Search Place Limited.
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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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 Job Search Place Limited. 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 Job Search Place Limited 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!
