Trading Standards Apprentice

Suffolk County Council - Landmark House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5PF - Hybrid

£27,711 per annum (pro rata if part time)

37 Hours per week - Flexible working options available

Fixed Term Apprenticeship (Up to March 2029)

When you join the Suffolk Trading Standards team as a Trading Standards Apprentice, we will support your development from the start. We will help you to play to your strengths, diversify your skills and build an influential and impactful career. You will be a key part of our work focusing on tackling the supply of illegal vapes and tobacco but also supporting the work of the whole Trading Standards team. If you are motivated and passionate there’s no limit to how far your ambition could take you.

Your role and responsibilities

• Assist with the enforcement of rules regulating vapes and tobacco, including the supply of illegal/illicit products.
• Be a supporting member of a demand team to respond to complaints and enquiries from the public and businesses.
• Carry out intelligence led project work including basic visits and informal sampling as may be required to business premises to ensure compliance with legislation.
• Support Trading Standards Officers with enforcement action when necessary, including involvement in Criminal Investigations, test purchases, seizure of goods, taking witness statements, PACE interviews, and giving evidence in Court as required.
• Be a key member of our frontline team with responsibility to receive and process incoming demand into the system.

Your apprenticeship

Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship

29 months (24 Months for learning delivery plus 5 months for End Point Assessment)

We welcome apprenticeship applications from all ages and backgrounds. There’s no upper age limit - it’s never too late to start developing new skills. We want to provide opportunities for anyone interested in launching or advancing their career.

The apprenticeship you’re applying for must build on your qualifications. If you have experience in this field, the apprenticeship you’re applying for must be at a higher level.

During the apprenticeship, you’ll be working towards the role described in these materials, Job and Person Profile (JPP) and the Apprenticeship Recruitment Brochure. They hold a range of information. You will have the opportunity to receive hands-on training and pursue certification.

Completing your apprenticeship does not guarantee a full-time position. However, we are dedicated to helping you find a job. You will have priority access when you apply for vacancies. This applies during the final 3 months of your contract.

You will need

• Good communication skills, both verbal and written with an ability to be able to use appropriate vocabulary for a range of target audiences.
• To be able to collaborate well, work in a team and provide support and assistance to others.
• An ability to be able to work independently, be self-motivated and able to progress through a supported training apprenticeship.
• To be creative in relation to problem solving and willing to put forward new ideas.
• To have a sound understanding of customer service principles and practices.
• To be able to record detail accurately and follow appropriate legal procedures and codes of practice.

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

Trading Standards is a law enforcement service, enforcing over 80 different Acts of Parliament covering areas including food safety, fraud, animal health, safety of products, underage sales, and illicit tobacco and vapes, as well as protecting vulnerable consumers from doorstep rogue traders and scams. Officers work with businesses and consumers within the community to make a real difference to people’s lives, whilst working to make Suffolk a Rogue-Free County.

You will be part of one of three demand teams, reporting to a Principal Trading Standards Officer. All teams are multi-functional and can enforce all aspects of the work of Trading Standards. The Service is forward thinking and applies Systems Thinking Principles to deliver excellent customer service and staff are encouraged to contribute creative ideas to continually learn and improve.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.

For more information

Please contact Mary Strang or Nousha Meek for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 260659 or 01473 260653 or emailing mary.strang@suffolk.gov.uk or nousha.meek@suffolk.gov.uk.

How to apply

1. Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).
2. Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.
3. Complete the Supporting Statement template indicating how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 11 June 2025

Interview date: 24 and 26 June 2025

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
• Performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase.
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
• A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation.
• Diverse and active staff networks.
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website.