At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local governance, engage with the community, and manage administrative tasks.
- Company: Join a vibrant Town Council dedicated to enhancing local lives.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with recognised qualifications and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in local government.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above required.
The predicted salary is between 19575 - 23925 £ per year.
Kick-start your career in local government with this exciting Apprentice Town Clerk opportunity. Gain nationally recognised qualifications while earning a salary and developing valuable skills in administration, finance, governance and community engagement, helping to make a real difference to your local community.
The Town Council works at the very heart of the local community, supporting the democratic process, looking after public assets, and facilitating community events that make the town thrive. Unlike high-level principal authorities (like County or Unitary councils), a Town Council is the tier of local government closest to the people, dealing directly with residents' everyday lives. Working for the Town Council means you are working to directly benefit and enhance the lives of the people who reside in the parish.
What You'll Do
- Administration: Provide administrative support to the Town Clerk, Assistant Town Clerk and Council. Respond to telephone, email and face-to-face enquiries from residents, councillors and stakeholders. Maintain accurate filing systems, both electronic and paper based. Prepare correspondence, reports, agendas and other council documentation. Manage incoming and outgoing mail. Maintain council records in accordance with data protection legislation.
- Democratic Services and Governance: Assist with the preparation and distribution of agendas and supporting papers. Attend council and committee meetings as required. Produce draft minutes for review by the Town Clerk. Learn and apply legislation governing local councils, including governance and decision-making procedures. Support compliance with the Council's Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and Code of Conduct.
- Finance: Assist with routine financial administration. Process invoices, purchase orders and payments under supervision. Help maintain financial records and reconcile transactions. Support budget monitoring and financial reporting. Learn the principles of local government finance and audit requirements.
- Customer and Community Services: Provide excellent customer service to members of the public. Support community events and civic activities. Assist with consultations and public engagement initiatives. Work collaboratively with local organisations, volunteers and partner agencies.
- Projects: Assist with the planning and delivery of council projects. Conduct research and prepare briefing information. Help monitor project progress and outcomes. Support grant administration where applicable.
- Compliance: Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately. Comply with health and safety policies. Support compliance with Local Government legislation, Data Protection legislation, Freedom of Information requirements, Equality legislation, Financial Regulations, and Council policies and procedures.
- General Duties: Demonstrate professionalism and integrity at all times. Promote equality, diversity and inclusion. Undertake any other duties appropriate to the level of the post.
- Special Project: To update the electronic cemetery records with all information including photographs taken at the cemetery to show the condition of each memorial. This may include updating the online searchable records. To update the electronic allotment holder records and re-plot the allotment sites in liaison with the Assistant Clerk and grounds staff.
Training Outcome
Once the Business Administration apprenticeship is complete, the career progression within the sector is to complete CiLCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration) which is the basic qualification needed for most Clerk positions. From there, you can also go on to do BA (Hons) Degree in Community Governance but this is not a requirement of the role.
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
Qualifications
- Essential - GCSE - English - Grade 4/C and above
- Essential - GCSE - Maths - Grade 4/C and above
Course Information
Course: Business administrator (level 3)
Level: 3
Route: Business and administration
Apprenticeship Level: Advanced
Working Arrangements
Working Week: Monday - Friday, flexible hours, may work evenings.
Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months
Training Provider: CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
Apprentice Town Clerk in Ely employer: Soham Town Council
Join the Town Council and embark on a rewarding career that directly impacts your local community. As an Apprentice Town Clerk, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, offering nationally recognised qualifications while you earn. With opportunities for growth in administration, finance, and governance, this role not only enhances your skills but also allows you to play a vital part in fostering community engagement and making a real difference in residents' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Town Clerk in Ely
✨Get Involved with Local Community Projects
The government and public sector thrive on community engagement, so volunteering for local community projects or councils can give you a leg up. Not only does it boost your CV, but it also puts you in touch with folks who might be part of the hiring teams or know about upcoming apprenticeship opportunities.
✨Utilise Apprenticeship Fairs and Talks
Make the most of apprenticeship fairs and local talks aimed at young people in your area. They're a goldmine for networking and finding out firsthand about companies and their hiring processes, plus you can ask questions about what it’s really like working for organisations like Soham Town Council.
✨Follow Government Initiatives on Social Media
Check out social media channels where public sector initiatives and job roles are advertised. Many public sector organisations post updates on apprenticeships and related events, so be sure to follow them and engage with their content. This way, you’ll be in the loop when it comes to opportunities at places like Soham Town Council.
✨Apply Early and Keep It Personal
Apprenticeships can be super competitive, so don't wait until the last minute to throw your hat in the ring! When applying, keep your application personal and show off your passion for the public sector – it's all about how you can contribute to the mission of organisations like Soham Town Council. Our website is a great place to keep an eye out for openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Town Clerk in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Soft Skills:In the public sector, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are key. Make sure your CV highlights experiences that demonstrate these skills, perhaps through school projects or volunteering. We love seeing how you interact with your community!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Fit:Your cover letter is your chance to express your enthusiasm for the role. Specifically mention why working at Soham Town Council in the government-public sector excites you and how this apprenticeship will help you grow. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
Research, Research, Research!:Before applying, dive into Soham Town Council’s values and recent projects. Showing that you understand what we stand for and how you can contribute can really make your application pop. It lets us know you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Highlight Any Relevant Experience:Even if it’s just part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work, include any experience that relates to the public sector. If you've worked on community initiatives or school councils, be sure to mention those. We want to see your commitment to public service!
How to prepare for a job interview at Soham Town Council
✨Know Your Local Issues
In the public sector, it's crucial to be in tune with the issues affecting your community. Make sure you can discuss local challenges and how you would approach solving them. This shows your commitment and awareness of the sector!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Service
For an apprenticeship in the government sector, it’s all about your motivation. Be ready to talk about why you want to serve your community and how you can bring enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the role with Soham Town Council.
✨Brush Up on Relevant Policies
Expect questions about specific policies or frameworks relevant to your desired position. Familiarise yourself with recent legislation or initiatives related to Soham Town Council and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these efforts in the role of Apprentice Town Clerk.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an apprenticeship, demonstrating your eagerness to learn is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you plan to develop your skills further while working with Soham Town Council.
