Trading Standards Professional Apprentice

Do you have a passion for making a difference and really helping your community? Are you keen to see a fairer economy and illicit goods taken off sale? Have you ever thought about a career in Trading Standards? This apprenticeship would suit anyone looking for a career in Trading Standards, whether you're a school leaver or looking for a career change. No qualifications are required to apply as full training will be given.

The apprentice position is for a minimum of 48 months and involves the apprentice working towards the Level 6 Trading Standards Practitioner apprenticeship. You'll be provided with a wide variety of work experience opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in a number of enforcement activities as required by the qualification. This role will play a key part in Thurrock's response to enforcing tobacco and vape regulations. You’ll be part of the Trading Standards Team who are friendly and supportive and you will have a varied and interesting workload. No two days are ever the same!

Although our office base is at the Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, there will be a requirement to work from home and out on site. The Trading Standards Team enforce various laws in relation to consumer protection to ensure that members of the public are not ripped off by unscrupulous traders and ensure unsafe or illegal items are not being sold. This really is your opportunity to start an exciting and varied career where you will make a huge difference to the Thurrock Community.

• Supporting Trading Standards Officers with their enforcement actions.
• Advising business and consumers on Trading Standards legislation.
• Study for the L6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship.

• Willingness to learn
• Well presented
• Works effectively in a team
• Excellent attention to detail
• Works on own initiative
• Good time management
• Organised, flexible and able to multi-task
• Confident communicator
• Methodical and self-motivated
• IT literate with experience of using Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel

The L6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship requires you to achieve: Functional skills qualification in both Maths and English if not already held (e.g. GCSE grade A to E). Ideally you will also have good A Levels or equivalent. Training will mainly take place at the Civic Offices, but you may be asked to attend an alternative training facility from time to time.

37 hours per week. Normal working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4.30pm, Friday with a 30‑minute lunch break. Apprenticeship study will be undertaken within normal working hours however there is an expectation that some study will be done in your own time. Time will be allocated to attend training and complete assignments, workbooks, online training etc. as required by the qualification.

Basic Level DBS Check is required for this post.

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

• Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 15th January 2026
• Closing Date (Internal & External): 1st February 2026
• Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Simply click on "Apply Now" below and complete the online application form (we do not accept CVs alone). If you have any difficulties in submitting an application please email. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Charlotte Edwards, Trading Standards Manager.