At a Glance
- Tasks: Support customers, process orders, and learn about Cembre's products in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Cembre, an innovative Italian manufacturing company known for quality and customer support.
- Benefits: Earn £27-29k, enjoy performance bonuses, and receive mentoring throughout your apprenticeship.
- Other info: Progression opportunities into Product Specialist or Sales Engineer roles after the apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and develop skills for a successful career in customer service and sales.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths preferred; strong communication and eagerness to learn are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 29000 £ per year.
Cembre is an Italian manufacturing company that produces specialist electrical products used across industries such as rail, construction, utilities and manufacturing. They provide the tools, labels and connection products that help companies install, organise and maintain electrical systems safely and efficiently. Here in the UK, Cembre supplies customers across the country with Identification and Labelling products, helping businesses label cables, equipment and electrical systems clearly and safely. They are known for their high-quality products, technical knowledge and strong customer support.
As a Customer Service Specialist Apprentice, you’ll start by supporting the commercial and customer service teams, helping customers with enquiries, processing orders and learning about the products Cembre sells and where they are used. You’ll spend time building relationships with customers, developing confidence speaking with different businesses and gaining a strong understanding of the industry. As your knowledge grows, you’ll become more involved in specialist product support and start to travel across the UK alongside the sales team to meet customers, demonstrate products and help find the right solutions for their needs.
What you'll do:
- Months 1-2: Foundation & Business Understanding
- Complete company inductions and learn about Cembre’s products, systems and departments
- Develop understanding of customer service, order processing and commercial operations
- Gain exposure to manufacturing, logistics and quality processes
- Support customers with enquiries, orders and quotations
- Build confidence communicating with customers and maintaining CRM records
- Develop understanding of stock control, lead times and sales processes
- Continue developing commercial and customer service skills
- Months 5-6: Technical Product Knowledge Development
- Learn about product specifications, applications and industry uses
- Shadow Product Specialists and Sales Engineers
- Support technical queries and product selection activities
- Develop understanding of competitor products and market knowledge
- Months 7-8: Logistics Support
- Work closely with sales, logistics and operations teams
- Learn about supply chain, scheduling and fulfilment processes
- Support customer updates and resolve delivery or operational issues
- Build planning, organisation and problem‑solving skills
- Months 9-10: Product Specialist Development
- Support customer demonstrations and technical discussions
- Assist with product presentations, trials and technical documentation
- Develop confidence handling more advanced product enquiries
- Continue structured technical and commercial training
- Months 11-12: Commercial & Sales Engineering Skills
- Support customer visits alongside the sales team
- Learn solution‑based selling and customer account management
- Assist with quotations, proposals and customer requirements
- Month 12+: Prepare for progression into Product Specialist or Sales Engineer role within the business - going where you, and the company, feel your skills best fit.
Person Specification:
- A genuine interest in customer service, sales or commercial careers
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Curious, proactive and eager to learn
- Organised with good attention to detail
- Comfortable working as part of a team
- Confident using IT systems and willing to learn new tools
- Technically minded with an interest in products and how they work
- Positive attitude and willingness to get involved
- GCSE English at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
- GCSE Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) preferred
- A Levels or technical qualifications preferred
- Full UK driving licence required
Training and support:
This is a highly supportive apprenticeship where you’ll receive hands‑on training, mentoring and regular feedback from experienced commercial and technical teams across the business. Alongside your day‑to‑day role, you’ll complete structured training delivered by DBC Training. Training modules include:
- Market knowledge
- Sales planning and preparation
- Sales and commercial support
- Communication and relationship building
- Business operations and collaboration
- Planning and organisation
A bit about the apprenticeship – You’ll work towards a Level 3 Customer Service Specialist apprenticeship with some Level 4 Sales units, while building real experience in a live commercial environment. This apprenticeship is designed to support long‑term career progression within the business. Supplytrain will employ and support you throughout your apprenticeship. You’ll have regular check‑ins to help you settle into your role and succeed, with ongoing guidance for both you and your employer.
What you'll get:
- Four‑weekly pay
- 5.6 weeks paid annual leave
- Mentoring support from a Supplytrain apprenticeship coordinator
- Opportunity to build commercial and technical skills
- Clear progression opportunities within the business
Customer Service Specialist: Apprenticeship Programme in Sutton Coldfield employer: Supplytrain
Cembre is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees through a comprehensive apprenticeship programme. Located in Sutton Coldfield, the company fosters a supportive work culture with hands-on training, mentoring, and clear progression pathways, ensuring that apprentices gain valuable skills in customer service and technical knowledge while enjoying competitive pay and generous benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Specialist: Apprenticeship Programme in Sutton Coldfield
✨Get to Know Your Local Businesses
For an apprenticeship in customer support, don’t hesitate to pop into local shops or businesses. They might not have job postings up, but often they’re looking for eager apprentices who can learn on the job. Approach them with confidence and express your interest.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities focused on customer support. Places like Reddit or specific Facebook groups are goldmines for advice and networking. You never know who might be looking for an apprentice or have insider tips about openings at places like Supplytrain.
✨Tap Into Your School’s Resources
Make sure to use your school’s career services. They often have connections with companies looking for apprentices, which can give you a head start. Plus, they can help you polish your interview skills to shine during those crucial moments.
✨Show Your Passion Online
Create a simple portfolio showcasing any relevant experience, even if it's just customer service experience from part-time gigs. Share it on platforms like LinkedIn to make yourself more visible to employers like Supplytrain. It’s all about getting your name out there and showing you’re keen to learn!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Specialist: Apprenticeship Programme in Sutton Coldfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your communication skills!:In customer support, being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. When writing your application, make sure to highlight any relevant experience where you've had to support or assist others, whether that's in a job, volunteering, or even in school projects. We want to see how you express yourself and ensure that your enthusiasm comes through!
Tailor your CV to the support role:Your CV should reflect skills that are essential for customer support, like patience, problem-solving, and empathy. Highlight any instances where you've handled difficult situations or resolved conflicts, even if they're not from a formal job. This is your chance to prove that you have the right mindset for an apprenticeship with us at Supplytrain.
Include relevant coursework or certifications:If you've taken any courses related to customer service or communications, shout about them! This could be anything from online courses to workshops. Certifications show us you're serious about getting into the field and help us see your commitment to learning more in your apprenticeship.
Express your willingness to learn:Since this is an apprenticeship, showing that you’re eager to learn and grow is really important. In your cover letter, share specific reasons why you want to join Supplytrain and how you're looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in customer support. We love candidates who are enthusiastic and ready to dive into the learning process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Supplytrain
✨Mastering Communication Skills
As a customer support apprentice, showcasing your verbal and written communication skills is essential. Think about past experiences where you've had to resolve issues or clarify misunderstandings – be ready to discuss these during your interview. Remember, it's all about demonstrating your ability to empathise with customers and provide effective solutions.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Get familiar with the products or services offered by Supplytrain. Being knowledgeable about what they sell not only shows your interest but also helps you answer possible technical questions about how you’d assist customers. Prepare to discuss how you would approach learning about new products and your strategy for staying updated.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect interviewers to throw some real-life scenarios at you. Prepare for questions about how to handle difficult customers or complaints. They want to see how well you can think on your feet and apply your customer service skills in challenging situations. Try role-playing with a friend to feel more prepared!
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Since you’re applying for an apprenticeship, the hiring team at Supplytrain will be looking for your motivation to learn and grow. Be ready to express your eagerness to absorb knowledge from seasoned professionals and how you plan to contribute to the team's success. Show them that you're not just looking for a job, but a pathway to build your skills!
