At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in customer service and office coordination while supporting key accounts.
- Company: Join Sika, a global leader in specialty chemicals with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive apprentice salary, career development, and potential for a permanent role.
- Other info: Enjoy a professional office atmosphere with mentorship and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with a structured apprenticeship and supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly, detail-oriented, and eager to learn about customer service and office operations.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 35750 £ per year.
Company Description
Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. In 2024, Sika’s more than 34,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 11.76 billion.
About the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in customer service, administration, and office coordination while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. As a Customer Service Apprentice, you will be working within our Key Accounts customers services team, servicing some of our biggest customers, and you’ll also be a support to the Reception team where you will be welcoming visitors to our business, playing a key role in delivering exceptional front-of-house service.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Carry out all customer services administration such as sales order processing and invoicing, providing information relating to deliveries and stock availability to meet customer specific requirements, ensuring queries are dealt with efficiently and quickly and customer expectations are met.
- Order book management, including updating customers of any changes, managing back orders and liaison with the warehouse/ stock controllers.
- Support the reception team with cover, and carry out standard reception duties to cover breaks and planned periods, ensuring we deliver an excellent visitor experience.
- Learning about customer service best practices and office operations.
What You’ll Gain
- A structured apprenticeship programme with on-the-job training and a recognised qualification in Customer Service.
- Development of communication, organisational, problem solving and administrative skills.
- A supportive team environment with a dedicated mentor and line manager.
- Exposure to a professional office environment and business operations.
- Development of communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
In addition, you will be an integral member of a supportive and welcoming team who will be there every step of the way.
Qualifications
What We’re Looking For
- Friendly and professional demeanour with excellent interpersonal skills.
- A genuine Customer Focus, demonstrating our commitment to delivering an exceptional Customer Experience.
- Strong attention to detail and organisational abilities, coupled with a proactive can-do attitude and willingness to learn.
- Good written and verbal communication skills and an interest in Customer Service and Office Administration.
- Ability to collaborate and work in a team.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
Additional Information
The Perks
- Competitive apprentice salary and benefits package.
- Career development pathways within Sika.
- Potential for a permanent role upon successful completion.
We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based on skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Customer Service Apprentice in Leeds employer: Sika
Sika is an excellent employer that values work-life balance, offering a hybrid role with 80% office-based work and flexible hours to accommodate your lifestyle. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, Sika fosters a collaborative work culture where innovation thrives, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the building envelope sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Apprentice in Leeds
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Sika. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Sika before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Apprentice in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Sika:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Sika specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Sika!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sika
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
