Trading Standards Professional Apprentice in Chelmsford

This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office in Chelmsford a minimum of 1 day per week, with the remaining time for visiting sites and remote working if desired, in line with the organisation’s needs. Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract opportunity for up to 30 months.

At Essex County Council, we believe in helping our workforce grow and succeed. That’s why, as part of this role, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a Level 6 apprenticeship. This is a fantastic chance to gain valuable skills, earn a recognised qualification, and set yourself up for a successful future career.

Essex Trading Standards is looking for a highly motivated person to join its team. Trading Standards is responsible for supporting legitimate business activity by providing advice and support, encouraging economic development and prosperity and helping to create a level playing field. We protect the economic interests of Essex residents (particularly the more vulnerable members of the community) by using all the tools available to swiftly and effectively tackle rogue traders and businesses that cause the most consumer detriment. We adopt an intelligence led approach to enforcing a broad range of Trading Standards legislation including fair trading, underage sales, food and product safety, animal health and welfare to name just a few.

This opportunity will see you developing the knowledge, skills and competencies to become a Trading Standards Officer. You will undertake the training and learning requirements of the level 6 Trading Standards Professional apprenticeship, studying modules and working closely with and being supported by members of the Trading Standards teams in Essex. When qualified you will be considered for a Trading Standards officer post.

As a Trading Standards Professional Apprentice you will support the delivery of regulatory functions within the Trading Standards service and undertake the training, development and learning requirements of the level 6 apprenticeship. Work is carried out both independently and with support and/or supervision from a member of Trading Standards staff and will include the provision of information, advice, and assistance on Trading Standards law to businesses. This role contributes to the achievement of service and community objectives including reducing crime and disorder, reducing antisocial behaviour, improving health and wellbeing, and promoting a fair trading environment throughout the County of Essex by enforcing civil and criminal Trading Standards laws in an effective, efficient and impartial way.

Accountabilities

• Manage your own level 6 TSP apprenticeship training and development, gaining and applying a working knowledge of Trading Standards legislation, and developing skills and competencies to enable effective enforcement and investigation.
• Plan, deliver and manage enforcement projects to ensure Trading Standards enforcement priorities are met, specifically in relation to the Renters’ Rights Act 2026.
• Lead investigations and all enforcement activities, including carrying out PACE interviews, preparing notes, statements and prosecution reports, and giving evidence in court to comply with the Trading Standards Investigation Protocol.
• Carry out visits to businesses to ensure compliance with legislation, provide advice and decide on the most appropriate remedy for non‑compliances at the time of visit.
• Liaise with members of the public and complainants to gather intelligence and provide updates on progress with enquiries and complaints.
• Review and grade intelligence using a threat matrix approach to ensure best use of resources.
• Prepare consultancy services quotations, manage customer relationships and approved petty cash, ensuring Council financial policies are complied with and income opportunities are maximised.
• Undertake a range of enforcement activities alone and as part of a team (e.g., ‘test purchasing’ operations of age‑restricted products, licensing inspections) to deliver Trading Standards enforcement priorities.
• Accurately record work undertaken and prepare concise guidance letters to businesses and consumers to ensure delivery of Trading Standards priorities.
• Mentor and assist with training Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprentices (Level 4).

The Experience You Will Bring

• Successfully completed Level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprenticeship.
• Evidence of the ability to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability and willingness to study and develop the skills and knowledge to successfully complete the Level 6 Trading Standards Officer Apprenticeship.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Evidence of the ability to use bespoke databases or other IT applications.

Employment & Work Conditions

The role requires mobility throughout the operational area. Mobile work and site visits may be required. A driving licence and access to a vehicle is required, or alternative fulfilment of mobility requirements. As an apprentice you must have the right to permanently live, work and study in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas. Eligibility is assessed against previous learning records and qualifications. A previously completed qualification at the same level or above in a related field eliminates eligibility. If the role requires a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service, an annual subscription you are responsible for maintaining.

EEO & Diversity

Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and commits to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements under the Job Interview Scheme. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role.

How to Apply

To apply, please follow the instructions on our careers page. For queries, contact jamielea.wallis@Essex.gov.uk.