At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with income collection and help them find payment solutions.
- Company: Join Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's friendly Revenues Team.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, flexible working options, and attractive staff discounts.
- Other info: Full training provided in a supportive environment with career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping people manage their finances.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English required; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Income Recovery Apprentice to join our successful Revenues Team. In this role you will learn a range of transferable skills such as communication, problem solving, customer service and understanding collection of Council Income.
As an Income Recovery Apprentice, you will deal with all aspects of Income Collection including recovery of Council Tax, Business Rates, Business Improvement District, Sundry Income and Housing Benefit overpayments.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Talking to residents by phone to understand why payments have been missed
- Supporting customers to find realistic and affordable payment arrangements
- Explaining council charges, and available help clearly and respectfully
- Updating customer accounts accurately and confidentially
- Working closely with colleagues to make sure residents receive fair and consistent support
You’ll often be speaking to people who are worried or under pressure, so empathy, patience, and clear communication are key.
What We’re Looking For
- A friendly and confident communicator
- Someone who enjoys helping people find solutions
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills
- Ability to stay calm and professional during challenging conversations
- Basic IT skills and attention to detail
No previous experience is required—full training and ongoing support will be provided. In return, we offer you a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and experience within a high performing environment.
You will need a minimum 4 passes at GCSE’s (or equivalent) grade A-C/4 or above (including Maths and English). This is a full time post 37 hours Mon-Fri.
Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and a commitment to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Income Recovery Apprentice employer: WMJobs
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is an excellent employer that prioritises employee development and well-being. As an Income Recovery Apprentice, you will benefit from comprehensive training in a supportive environment, flexible working options, and attractive staff discounts, all while contributing to the community. The council fosters a culture of empathy and collaboration, ensuring that you grow both personally and professionally in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Income Recovery Apprentice
✨Get Involved with Local Community Projects
The government and public sector thrive on community engagement, so volunteering for local community projects or councils can give you a leg up. Not only does it boost your CV, but it also puts you in touch with folks who might be part of the hiring teams or know about upcoming apprenticeship opportunities.
✨Utilise Apprenticeship Fairs and Talks
Make the most of apprenticeship fairs and local talks aimed at young people in your area. They're a goldmine for networking and finding out firsthand about companies and their hiring processes, plus you can ask questions about what it’s really like working for organisations like WMJobs.
✨Follow Government Initiatives on Social Media
Check out social media channels where public sector initiatives and job roles are advertised. Many public sector organisations post updates on apprenticeships and related events, so be sure to follow them and engage with their content. This way, you’ll be in the loop when it comes to opportunities at places like WMJobs.
✨Apply Early and Keep It Personal
Apprenticeships can be super competitive, so don't wait until the last minute to throw your hat in the ring! When applying, keep your application personal and show off your passion for the public sector – it's all about how you can contribute to the mission of organisations like WMJobs. Our website is a great place to keep an eye out for openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Income Recovery Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Soft Skills:In the public sector, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are key. Make sure your CV highlights experiences that demonstrate these skills, perhaps through school projects or volunteering. We love seeing how you interact with your community!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Fit:Your cover letter is your chance to express your enthusiasm for the role. Specifically mention why working at WMJobs in the government-public sector excites you and how this apprenticeship will help you grow. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
Research, Research, Research!:Before applying, dive into WMJobs’s values and recent projects. Showing that you understand what we stand for and how you can contribute can really make your application pop. It lets us know you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Highlight Any Relevant Experience:Even if it’s just part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work, include any experience that relates to the public sector. If you've worked on community initiatives or school councils, be sure to mention those. We want to see your commitment to public service!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Local Issues
In the public sector, it's crucial to be in tune with the issues affecting your community. Make sure you can discuss local challenges and how you would approach solving them. This shows your commitment and awareness of the sector!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Service
For an apprenticeship in the government sector, it’s all about your motivation. Be ready to talk about why you want to serve your community and how you can bring enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the role with WMJobs.
✨Brush Up on Relevant Policies
Expect questions about specific policies or frameworks relevant to your desired position. Familiarise yourself with recent legislation or initiatives related to WMJobs and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these efforts in the role of Income Recovery Apprentice.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an apprenticeship, demonstrating your eagerness to learn is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you plan to develop your skills further while working with WMJobs.
