At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our Complaints Team and learn to resolve customer issues effectively.
- Company: Join Plymouth Community Homes, the largest social housing association in the city.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience while working towards a recognised apprenticeship qualification.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in customer service and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 13230 - 16170 £ per year.
Join our team as an Apprentice Customer Care Advisor.
About the role
This is a great opportunity to start your career in customer service while gaining hands‑on experience within our Complaints Team. You’ll learn how to support residents, investigate, and resolve complaints, communicate with customers and colleagues, and help make sure concerns are handled fairly and effectively. Alongside your day‑to‑day role, you’ll work towards a relevant apprenticeship qualification, developing valuable skills in customer service, communication and problem‑solving while gaining an understanding of the housing sector.
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting our Complaints Team to provide a positive and customer-focused service.
- Helping to log, update and maintain complaint records.
- Speaking with residents by phone and email, keeping them updated and making sure they feel listened to.
- Supporting complaint investigations by gathering information from teams across PCH.
- Helping to prepare complaint responses and other customer communications.
- Building your understanding of housing services and complaint handling.
- Learning from customer feedback and helping us identify ways to improve our services.
- Working with colleagues across PCH to help resolve issues and achieve positive outcomes for residents.
- Completing your apprenticeship learning alongside your role, developing your customer service, communication and problem‑solving skills.
Our ideal candidate for this role is someone who:
- Enjoys helping people and is interested in providing great customer service.
- Is a good listener and can communicate confidently with different people.
- Is organised, with good attention to detail.
- Enjoys solving problems and finding positive solutions.
- Is comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Has a positive attitude and is willing to learn and develop.
- Can handle sensitive information appropriately and understands the importance of confidentiality.
- Is interested in learning more about complaints, customer care and the housing sector.
- Is committed to completing their apprenticeship qualification alongside the role.
Apprenticeship Entry Requirements and Duration of Apprenticeship:
The apprenticeship will typically take around 15 months to complete and will involve completing a Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship alongside your day‑to‑day work. Applicants should:
- Be committed to completing the apprenticeship programme and developing their skills through both workplace and structured learning.
- Have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent, or be willing to work towards the required English and Maths requirements as part of the apprenticeship, where applicable.
- Be willing to take responsibility for their learning and put new skills into practice within the workplace.
- No previous customer service experience is required.
We’re looking for someone with the right attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
Why choose Plymouth Community Homes?
This is more than just an apprenticeship. It's an opportunity to start your career with an organisation that invests heavily in its people, technology and communities. Plymouth Community Homes is the city's largest social housing association, owning and managing over 16,000 homes and providing services to.
Apprentice Customer Care Advisor employer: Plymouth Community Homes
Plymouth Community Homes is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on local communities. With a strong focus on employee development, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for volunteer work, we foster a culture of growth and well-being. Located in the vibrant Southwest, our modern offices provide easy access to the city centre, making it an ideal place to work and thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Customer Care Advisor
✨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 Plymouth Community Homes.
✨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 Plymouth Community Homes. It’s all about getting your name out there and showing you’re keen to learn!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Customer Care Advisor
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 Plymouth Community Homes.
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 Plymouth Community Homes 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 Plymouth Community Homes
✨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 Plymouth Community Homes. 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 Plymouth Community Homes 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!
