At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community engagement projects and assist with administrative duties.
- Company: East Suffolk Council, dedicated to making a difference in local communities.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, full training, and a recognised qualification.
- Other info: Join a positive team environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent, plus English and Maths GCSEs.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 € per year.
37 hours per week, 21-month training contract. East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people’s lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk.
We have an established and successful apprenticeship scheme, which has seen over 80% of apprentices stay on beyond their apprenticeships to develop promising careers with the Council. If you are looking for an exciting opportunity where you can earn money as well as gaining experience and a recognised qualification, then look no further!
Your role will involve providing project and administrative support to the Communities Team and to the wider organisation, specifically in relation to community engagement. We have to understand the needs of our communities even more intimately so that we can use that insight to design services and fund and deliver projects that work more effectively for our residents. This is particularly important as we redesign many services through the Local Government Reorganisation process.
You will assist our Engagement Lead with delivering more, and more effective, community engagement work. This will cover the full suite of engagement activity, including:
- strategy
- survey design
- promotion
- optimisation
- data analysis
- co‑production
- report writing
You’ll have the chance to work hands‑on with a large number of varied community engagement projects, everything from online surveys to in‑person workshops, and potentially including work on nationally recognised programmes like Marmot Place and Pride in Place. You’ll learn about engagement strategy, the soft skills and behaviours required to be an effective engagement professional, how to engage with different audiences, project management, marketing and communications, working with varied stakeholders, working with data, monitoring and evaluation, reporting and budgeting – and much more.
The engagement activity you’ll be working on ranges from planning consultations to co‑production of health services through our Marmot programme, small‑scale local engagement to district‑wide engagement with thousands of responses. You’ll be in the perfect position to optimise this work and, in doing so, make a real difference to the lives of East Suffolk residents.
Your administrative duties will include updating web content, creating surveys, writing reports and assisting at face‑to‑face engagement activity.
We can offer an interesting and varied work programme, a positive team environment, and the opportunity to get involved in a variety of tasks at different levels and to lead projects of your own.
Qualifications: You will need to have excellent interpersonal skills, an aptitude for ICT and be educated to A‑level standard or equivalent. You will also have English and Maths GCSEs at Grades 4‑9 or Grade C and above (or equivalent). No previous experience is required, as full training will be provided, however a passion to be a positive and professional ambassador for the council and provide the best experience for our customers is a must.
A fully funded and supported Level 4 Communities‑based apprenticeship.
Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service).
Community Engagement Apprentice in Woodbridge employer: Suffolk County Council
East Suffolk Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can truly impact the lives of local residents. With a strong apprenticeship programme that boasts over 80% retention, employees benefit from generous holiday entitlements, a supportive team culture, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us to gain hands-on experience in community engagement while working on meaningful projects that shape the future of East Suffolk.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Apprentice in Woodbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Council and its community engagement projects. Research their recent initiatives and think about how you can contribute. This will help you stand out in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former apprentices on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or family member. Focus on articulating your passion for community engagement and how your skills align with the role. Confidence is key, so the more you practice, the better you'll feel!
✨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 joining the team and contributing to the amazing work we do at East Suffolk Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Apprentice in Woodbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community engagement shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives and are excited about the opportunity to work with East Suffolk Council.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of community needs and how they can contribute to our projects.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for the role comes across without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research East Suffolk and its communities. Understand the key issues they face and think about how community engagement can make a difference. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
As this role requires excellent interpersonal skills, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated or collaborated with others. Think of specific situations where you demonstrated empathy, teamwork, or problem-solving abilities, as these are crucial for engaging with diverse audiences.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Engagement Strategies
Brush up on different community engagement methods, such as surveys, workshops, and co-production. Be ready to share your thoughts on what makes these strategies effective and how you would apply them in real-life scenarios. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness to contribute.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the types of projects you might work on or how success is measured in community engagement efforts. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
