Trading Standards Apprentice in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council is offering a Trading Standards Apprentice position based at Landmark House, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5PB. The salary is £28,598 per annum (pro rata if part time) for 37 hours per week, with flexible working options available. This is a fixed term or secondment contract until 31 March 2029.

As a Trading Standards Apprentice, you will receive support for your development from the start, helping you to play to your strengths, diversify your skills, and build an impactful career. You will focus on tackling the supply of illegal vapes and tobacco while supporting the work of the entire Trading Standards team.

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 required to ensure compliance with legislation.
• Support Trading Standards Officers with enforcement action, 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’ responsible for processing incoming demand into the system.

Your apprenticeship:

This is a Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship lasting 29 months (24 months for learning delivery plus 5 months for End Point Assessment). We welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds, with no upper age limit.

You will need:

• Good communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to use appropriate vocabulary for a range of target audiences.
• To collaborate well, work in a team, and provide support and assistance to others.
• The ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and progress through a supported training apprenticeship.
• Creativity in problem-solving and willingness to put forward new ideas.
• A sound understanding of customer service principles and practices.
• The ability to record details 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. We 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 such as food safety, fraud, animal health, product safety, underage sales, and illicit tobacco and vapes. Officers work with businesses and consumers within the community to make a real difference in people’s lives.

For more information:

Please contact Sharon Titford-Keller or Mary Strang for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 265273 or 01473 260659 or emailing sharon.titford-keller@suffolk.gov.uk or mary.strang@suffolk.gov.uk.

How to apply:

1. Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).
2. Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
3. Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 31 May 2026

Interview date: 15/16 June 2026

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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.