At a Glance
- Tasks: Support housing services and manage the Housing Register while gaining valuable experience.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to your growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a supportive environment for career development.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team making Reading a vibrant place to live.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in housing and customer service with hands-on training and real impact.
- Qualifications: Motivated individuals with basic IT skills and a passion for excellent customer service.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 € per month.
23 Months Apprenticeship. This is an excellent opportunity to begin a career in housing services while gaining a recognised qualification. As an Applications Officer Apprentice, you’ll work within our Voids and Lettings Team to support the effective management of Reading Borough Council’s Housing Register. You’ll gain hands-on experience, develop essential administrative and customer service skills, and play an important role in helping residents access housing advice and support. You’ll be fully supported throughout your apprenticeship, completing the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship Standard alongside your day to day responsibilities.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
You’ll help ensure that all applications on the Housing Register are accurate, up to date and assessed in line with legislation and Council policy. Working closely with colleagues, applicants and partner agencies, you’ll build a strong understanding of housing needs and processes.
- Supporting the management and maintenance of the Housing Register, including assessing an applicant’s housing need
- Re-registering, reinstating and cancelling applications where appropriate
- Spot checking application forms and helping maintain an efficient filing system
- Acknowledging applications in writing and advising applicants of their priority banding
- Assisting applicants who need help completing housing register forms
- Carrying out eligibility checks and liaising with statutory and non-statutory agencies
- Interviewing applicants to gather additional information when required
- Providing administrative support to the medical assessment process
- Responding to correspondence and inbox enquiries, offering basic housing options advice
- Reviewing and updating standard letters, forms and information leaflets
- Supporting the identification and investigation of potential fraudulent applications
In this role you’ll also have the opportunity to rotate through different tasks, helping you develop a well-rounded understanding of the service.
About you
We’re looking for someone who is motivated, organised and eager to learn. This role is ideal for someone starting their career or looking for a structured pathway into housing, administration or customer service. The ideal candidate will bring:
- A commitment to providing excellent customer service and working within customer care standards
- Good organisational skills and the ability to work accurately under pressure
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Basic IT skills with at least 6 months’ experience using technology and systems
- The ability to interpret information, keep accurate records and follow procedures
- A proactive approach, able to act on your own initiative
- An understanding of equal opportunities and awareness of diverse community needs
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision and values
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
Competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
Closing Date: Friday 30th January 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed
Application Officer Apprentice in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive apprenticeship programme in a collaborative environment. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the council provides a range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, flexible working opportunities, and access to a modern working environment in the heart of Reading. This role not only equips you with essential skills in housing services but also allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Application Officer Apprentice in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Reading Borough Council and their housing services. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of Team Reading.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to customer service and administration. Think about examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the role and the work culture, plus it shows your proactive approach to getting involved in the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and ready to take the first step in your career with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Application Officer Apprentice in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Applications Officer Apprentice. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role is all about helping residents, don’t forget to showcase any previous customer service experience you have. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to assist others – we love that!
Be Organised and Clear:When writing your application, keep it neat and structured. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary. This not only makes it easier for us to read but also shows off your organisational skills, which are super important for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Applications Officer Apprentice. Familiarise yourself with the Housing Register process and the importance of accurate applications. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to the position.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with applicants, be ready to discuss your customer service experience. Think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond to help someone, as this will demonstrate your ability to provide excellent support.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
Highlight your organisational skills during the interview. You might want to mention how you manage your time effectively or how you keep track of important information. Being proactive is key, so share instances where you've taken the initiative to solve a problem.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
Reading Borough Council values diversity, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to an inclusive environment. Share your understanding of equal opportunities and how you would approach working with diverse communities, as this aligns with their core values.
