Apprentice in Maidstone

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Are you enthusiastic, ambitious, and looking for an opportunity to gain an understanding of the work carried out by Maidstone Borough Council whilst studying for a professional qualification? Over a 15-month period, our apprentices will work in 4–5 different departments to learn new knowledge and skills, and hopefully determine where they might want to focus their career ambitions going forward. Departments might include planning, housing, grounds maintenance, customer service, legal, HR, finance, IT and communications, as well as a host of other teams that provide services to the residents of Maidstone.

You will also complete a Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship qualification. And if successful in securing permanent employment with the Council at the end of the programme, you will have an opportunity to go on to study at higher levels. This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week, on a fixed term contract for 15 months. Salary: National minimum wage for age.

About You

You will have achieved, or be predicted to achieve, a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 4 or above, including Maths and English. You will have good computer skills, including the use of Microsoft packages or equivalent. Ideally you will have some work experience, either through a part‑time job or work experience opportunities, and may also have carried out some volunteering work within your community. You will be a team player, with good communication and interpersonal skills, and a 'can-do' positive approach to work and study.

About Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstone Borough Council is a confident organisation with ambition and aspirations to deliver high quality services to our residents and local businesses. We strive to make the borough an attractive place for all and secure a successful economy. We continue to build on our strengths – assets, knowledge and expertise and our track record for innovation and improvement to create a financially sustainable future so that we can continue with our undiminished plans. We will only achieve the results we are aiming for through the talents and hard work of all our people. You are encouraged to become part of our vision and in return you can expect support, training, and fair reward from us. We will give you the opportunity to develop the skills to do your job well and create a positive working environment where your ideas about improving how we do things are valued and we manage the changes needed for new ways of working well.

At Maidstone Borough Council we recognise the importance of flexible working and the benefits this can bring to both our staff and the Council. We know that by offering employees a range of flexible working opportunities we can positively impact their wellbeing and engagement, and drive productivity in return. As such we have developed a highly flexible hybrid working policy, alongside our flexi time and flexible working policies, enabling staff to shape their working patterns around building a greater work life balance.

Our Offer

• Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
• 7am to 7pm flexi time to suit personal circumstances for most roles
• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.
• Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year.
• Free parking
• Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, part time.
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
• A professional fee payment, if required for the role

Selection Process

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect a selection day that will include team activities, assessments, and an interview. We are a Disability Confident employer and committed to support equal opportunities for all. Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Catherine Harrison, Learning and Development Manager, on 01622 602349.