Trading Standards Apprentice

Job Title: Trading Standards Apprentice
Salary: £26,213 to £30,889 per annum
35 Hours per Week
Location: Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way, Kidderminster, DY11 7WF
Fixed Term Contract - 36 months 
 

The Role
We’re looking to recruit the next generation of Trading Standards Officers to join our team.

Have you ever wondered what a Trading Standards Officer does? 

If yes - then read on!

As a Trading Standards Officer you would be involved in a wide range of activities and projects, all aimed at ensuring a fair, safe, and legal trading environment across Worcestershire. 

This might mean:

• Taking samples/test purchases of foods, consumer goods such as toys, cosmetics and electrical items, or animal feed and pet food, to have them checked against legal standards
• Interrupting doorstep rogue traders
• Visiting farms or markets to inspect animal welfare conditions
• On site and on-line inspections of manufacturers and suppliers of goods
• Advising businesses to help them trade fairly
• Working with partners to protect consumers and businesses from frauds and scams
• Investigating rogue traders, preparing criminal cases, and giving evidence in court.

Your role will be varied and fulfilling. As a trainee Trading Standards Officer, you’ll be working towards recognised professional qualifications. You will be supported through a structured training programme with a talented and experienced team around you. With a defined career path, you will qualify as a Trading Standards Officer capable of working across the full spectrum of disciplines, covering animal health and welfare, environmental protection, fair trading, feed, food, product safety, safety of sports grounds, and weights and measures. It’s a highly rewarding job in public service, where you can make a real difference.

With the hybrid and flexible working model offered here at Worcestershire County Council you will benefit from the best of both worlds:

• Access to modern and well-resourced office and collaborative spaces, and
• First class provision of IT, software, and other equipment to enable effective homeworking, along with our commitment to provide structured, face to face mentoring, shadowing, and learning opportunities.

To be considered, you’ll need a good standard of general education, and the aptitude and commitment to study towards a professional qualification (we think having a degree will stand you in good stead here, but it’s not essential and we’re open in terms of where you may have gained your experience).

You’ll need the ability and desire to learn, and the capacity to understand and interpret complex legislation. You’ll also need first class communication and customer service skills, high attention to detail, and great organisational skills.  We also think you’ll have perseverance, patience, the awareness to quickly read situations, and the ability to remain calm in sometimes difficult circumstances.

For further information, please contact Bob Charnley, at Bob.Charnley@WorcestershireTS.gov.uk.

Benefits
You’ll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage 

• Worcestershire County Council - Why work for us? 

Some of these offers include: 

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you’re successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible. 

Equality & Diversity: The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.

To apply, please click the link here to the apprenticeship government site:
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC1000302058

Application Closing Date: Monday, 17th March 2025
Anticipated Interview Date: To be Confirmed

Attached documents
TSO Level 2 - Scale 6 JD PS.pdf
TSO Level 1 - Scale 5 JD PS.pdf