I work in Trading Standards and I’m currently completing a Level 6 Trading Standards professional apprenticeship.
As soon as I joined the Council, I wanted to take on the apprenticeship as I believed it would provide me with the background of the theoretical aspects of my job which I can then apply to the practical aspects. The apprenticeship also finishes with a qualification which I can utilise in advancing in my career.
My role is very varied with no two days being the same. Some days I will be completing admin duties in the office and other consist of inspecting premises to ensure the good they are supplying are compliant with relevant consumer legislation and protecting consumers they serve.
Completing a 3 year apprenticeship alongside my role is very rewarding. It consists of workshops that are held virtually allowing me to choose to either work from home or in the office. These workshops go through various aspects of Trading Standards and allow for opportunities to talk to experienced professionals to gain further support. Following these calls a dedicated coach will assign tasks based on what I have learnt to evidence my understanding of the information provided. These may consist of researching relevant legislation and applying examples or writing a report based on a practical job that I have taken part into further evidence my understanding of the role. I also have a call once a month with my coach who offers direct support that I may need in relation to the apprenticeship.
Working with an external training provider has been useful as it has provided opportunities to work alongside experienced professionals with a variety of backgrounds relating to my profession. It has also allowed me to create a network of people from other authorities where we can share experiences and knowledge to aid all our growths in the profession we have chosen.
I enjoy being able to apply what I have learned in a workshop to practical jobs that I will go to, as it provides the perfect opportunity to evidence my understanding of the role and identify areas I may need further support on.
Balancing the demands of the apprenticeship and my day-to-day role seemed very daunting at the beginning as it was a new experience for me but with the support of my team in the workplace and the apprenticeship support team it has been much easier than expected. I have regular support from all sides which allows me to discuss any possible concerns I have which always ends with a resolution providing me with ease and the thought that I can balance everything together. Everything I learn in the apprenticeship has been transferable skills and knowledge into what I do every day whether that be new legislation that I have not yet used or learning how to deal with different business areas that I will interact with throughout my career.
At the end of my apprenticeship, I hope to become a fully qualified Trading Standards Officer. From these experiences and this apprenticeship qualification I will be in a much better place to progress my career and see what opportunities arise in the future.
I work in the Fair Trading team within Trading Standards and I’m also currently completing a Level 6 Trading Standards professional apprenticeship.
I am still quite new in my role, which involves shadowing others and gaining experience in as many areas as possible. I visit businesses to check compliance with guidelines, follow up on complaints and provide advice.
An apprenticeship appealed to me because it allows me to gain the knowledge and skills that I need to progress in my role, while maintaining a balance of academic learning and practical experience.
My apprenticeship is all carried out remotely. It consists of bi-monthly workshops, where we learn the content. We are then assessed on this content in the form of essays, presentations, online courses etc. I also have a monthly 1-1 with my coach to check that I am on track and to support me with any work. The external training provider for my apprenticeship has been easy to work with. It is nice to meet new people, such as course leaders, coaches and other apprentices.
I enjoy about the apprenticeship is the opportunity to discuss things with other apprentices, who may have different backgrounds and experience. I also like how the knowledge, skills and behaviours are clearly set out and it is easy to keep track of how each assessment will develop these.
It has been quite straightforward so far balancing the demands of the apprenticeship with my role. My manager and colleagues are very understanding and provide flexibility, so I am able to fit my apprenticeship learning around my daily role. My apprenticeship provides me with the knowledge to progress and be more confident in my role. It also provides me with a better understanding of the actions Trading Standards Officers can take and what legislation underpins such actions.
By the end of my apprenticeship, I am hoping to progress in my role and become a Trading Standards Officer. I am hoping to be more confident in my knowledge and ability and I may also have gained new friends and contacts, from the course, who may be useful in the future.