Apprentice Trading Standards Officer

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.

About the Team

Are you looking to start a rewarding career protecting consumers, supporting businesses and making a real difference in your local community? We are seeking an enthusiastic Apprentice Trading Standards Officer to join our Trading Standards team. This is an exciting opportunity to complete the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship, combining academic study with practical experience while developing the skills and knowledge needed to become a qualified Trading Standards Officer.

About the Role

As an Apprentice Trading Standards Officer, you will work alongside experienced officers and gain hands-on experience across a wide range of regulatory activities. Your duties will include:

• Gaining a working knowledge of consumer protection, fair trading, food standards and product safety matters.
• Supporting inspections of businesses and commercial premises, including multi-agency enforcement visits.
• Assisting with sampling exercises and gathering evidence relating to complaints and investigations.
• Preparing reports, correspondence and case files.
• Providing advice and guidance to businesses and consumers
• Attending court hearings, interviews and operational activities

The role consists of hybrid working, which is attending the office regularly alongside working at home or in other locations.

Much of the work undertaken within the department is of a highly confidential nature. The postholder must at all times maintain confidentiality and should be aware that, given the nature of the services provided by the department they may on occasions be exposed to information that they may find upsetting.

About You

We are looking for a motivated individual with a genuine interest in public protection, consumer rights and regulatory work.

To be successful, you will have:

• 2 A Levels at Grade C or above (or an equivalent Level 3 qualification).
• 5 GCSEs including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above.
• Motivation and commitment to learn and develop knowledge and skills in trading standards law towards a professional qualification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Good IT skills.
• The ability to think, reason and solve problems and learn complex legislation.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to demonstrate professionalism, assertiveness, empathy and understanding in order to deal with people from different backgrounds in a range of circumstances.
• Ability to travel independently between different work locations within and beyond Bath and North East Somerset, as required by the role, with reasonable adjustments considered where appropriate.

Fixed term post (Completion of the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship and Qualification) based at Parkside, Bath.

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Gemma Hadley, Trading Standards Manager, [email removed] or call [phone removed].

Interview date: 30/11/2026 and 01/12/2026

No Agencies Please.

Please note: that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

About Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Please note that this role is subject to an Basic DBS Check.

Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.