Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner

Herefordshire Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated apprentice to join our Environmental Health Regulatory Services team. This is a fantastic opportunity to earn a salary while studying for a professional degree and building a rewarding career. Through a combination of education, advice, investigation and enforcement, Environmental Health Practitioners tackle issues ranging from nuisance and pollution to housing conditions, food safety and wider public health concerns.

This is a unique "earn while you learn" opportunity, combining practical work experience with a fully funded (CIEH) accredited BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner Degree through University Central Weston. The working week will be split between study and work: one day a week (20%) for university study and the remaining four days (80%) assigned to a work role predominantly in the Environmental Health Community Protection team to deliver a wide range of services including public health, noise nuisance, anti‑social behaviour, environmental and nuisance protection, investigations and consultations. Additional opportunities exist in housing standards, food safety, health and safety at work and environmental protection teams. Within a supportive and experienced team you will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to progress towards becoming a qualified and professionally registered Environmental Health Practitioner. The fixed‑term role supports progression from Apprentice to Graduate level.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Responding to complaints and enquiries, managing an initial enquiry and investigation caseload.
• Supporting officers on inspections and investigations.
• Communicating with members of the public, colleagues, councillors and external agencies.
• Assisting with proactive compliance work and projects.
• Collecting evidence such as samples and photos.
• Maintaining accurate records and using council systems to support investigations and decision‑making.
• Supporting officers in evidence gathering and enforcing compliance with standards and regulations that protect public health and safety.

About You

We're looking for someone with enthusiasm, curiosity, dedication and a genuine interest in protecting public health and making a positive difference within local communities. You should:

• Be self‑motivated to learn and develop new skills.
• Have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with a wide range of people.
• Be organised and able to manage competing priorities in both the workplace and course.
• Have good IT and written skills.
• Enjoy problem solving and investigating issues.
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and a commitment to public service.
• Be able to travel throughout Herefordshire and, where necessary, work outside normal office hours.
• Be eligible for the apprenticeship: Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications), and equivalent of 80 UCAS points (typically equivalent to grades CDD at A‑Level or a Level 3 qualification), including at least one science or technology‑related subject.
• Eligibility to undertake an apprenticeship programme.

We Offer

• Competitive salary, holiday entitlement and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
• Salary range of £25,989 – £32,061 – Four‑year fixed‑term education and career development role, with training, mentoring and support.
• Full‑time paid employment – split into 20% allocated study and 80% appointed work role.
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
• Annual leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays; additional 10 days may be purchased during the request period.
• Flexible working: potential for job‑sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 access to support and counselling.
• Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
• Access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cash back and discounts.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email: enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk.

Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations

The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:

• Those who indicate that they have a disability (part of our commitment to the "Disability Confident" scheme).
• Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist (part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant).
• Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver (part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care).

We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment.

How To Apply

Upload an up‑to‑date CV and complete the application form, demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role. For more information or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Elisabeth Laughland, Regulatory Service Manager, 01432 261676 or elaughland@herefordshire.gov.uk.