Trading Standards Officer L6 Apprenticeship

Role Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven individual to join our Trading Standards team as an Apprentice Officer. In this role you will support Brent Council’s vision for safer, stronger communities by focusing on enforcement and consumer protection duties, particularly around illicit tobacco, vaping, scams and unsafe goods.

Key Functionalities

• Support the enforcement of Trading Standards and consumer protection legislation across the borough.
• Carry out a broad range of Trading Standards activities, including inspections, investigations and enforcement action.
• Play a key role in tackling local priorities such as illicit tobacco and vaping products, scams, rogue traders and unsafe goods.

Responsibilities

• Visit local businesses to assess compliance, offering clear, practical guidance to support adherence to regulations.
• Assist with test purchasing operations for age‑restricted products.
• Work in partnership with organisations including the Metropolitan Police, HMRC and Trading Standards to investigate complaints, gather evidence and support enforcement and legal proceedings.
• Engage with residents, businesses and community groups to raise awareness, promote compliance and protect vulnerable individuals.
• Maintain accurate records and case files using council systems.
• Contribute to Brent’s wider priorities of preventing crime, safeguarding vulnerable residents and improving public safety.
• Manage your own caseload of investigations.
• Lead on targeted enforcement projects and operations.
• Prepare reports and case files, including attending court when required.

Essential Skills and Behaviours

• Community focus – a genuine passion for improving local communities and protecting residents and consumers.
• Communication skills – the ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and in person, adapting your approach to different audiences.
• Planning and organisation – strong organisational skills, priority setting, time‑management and meeting deadlines.
• Learning mindset – a commitment to continuous learning, balancing academic study with workplace responsibilities.
• Teamwork and independence – the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while taking responsibility for your own work and decisions.
• Resilience and professionalism – confidence in handling sensitive, complex or challenging situations with professionalism and sound judgement.
• Attention to detail – the ability to gather, record and manage information accurately.
• Knowledge and interest – an interest or basic understanding of consumer protection, licensing or business regulation.
• Awareness of Trading Standards’ role in protecting the public and supporting fair trading.
• Integrity and confidentiality – a clear understanding of handling information sensitively and in line with regulatory requirements.
• Public service ethos – a genuine interest in local government and delivering high‑quality services to residents and businesses.
• Adaptability – a flexible, positive, proactive approach to work, with a willingness to take on new challenges.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Three GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above).
• Two A‑Level passes, or equivalent.
• Commitment to completing the Level 6 apprenticeship.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel across the borough and to training locations.
• Previous experience in a regulatory or enforcement environment is desirable.
• Full UK driving licence desirable; required by the end of the training programme.

Benefits & Rewards

• Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays.
• Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS).
• Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles.
• Supportive family‑friendly policies for parents, guardians and carers.
• Health and wellbeing support, including eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans and season ticket loans.
• Travel perks including affordable parking, a Cycle to Work scheme and onsite facilities.
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure and entertainment.

Equality, Diversity and Accessibility

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. We encourage applications from all sections of the community. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us. We are a disability‑confident employer and will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria.

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