Overview
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Waste Collections and Street Scene Services team as a Business Administration apprentice. This Advanced (Level 3) apprenticeship offers a hands‑on introduction to the essential operations behind waste management, recycling, and street scene services within a busy local authority environment. Working for one of the largest employers in the County, you will gain practical skills as well as experience of the waste management services that the Council provides. If you’re dynamic, detail‑focused, eager to learn, and passionate about contributing to environmental and community outcomes, this apprenticeship could be the ideal start to your career.
About the Role
In this role you’ll work closely with other members of the Waste Collections and Street Scene Services team with a particular focus on the day‑to‑day management of key waste services and helping us deliver critical services to residents, businesses, and internal stakeholders. You’ll gain insight into how local government waste services operate, build practical experience, and work towards your Level 3 Business Administration qualification with dedicated study time provided during your working week.
You will play an active role in coordinating formal complaints and enquiries, supporting Customer Services and Business Support teams, assisting with contract monitoring, and contributing to service improvements across waste and street cleansing operations. The role will also give you insight into how the wider waste service operates, including our outsourced waste contract. You’ll develop skills in handling difficult and complex situations, delivering excellent customer service, and building strong working relationships across a range of teams and service areas.
Key Responsibilities
* Investigate and respond to formal complaints and enquiries.
* Liaise with our waste services provider to resolve customer enquiries.
* Manage mailboxes and Councillor enquiries.
* Support other areas of the team, including contract management activities such as taking minutes of contractual meetings.
* Serve as a support/escalation point for our Customer Services Centre & Corporate Business Support Teams.
* Work with council systems such as Abavus (Customer Relationship Manager software) and I‑Casework (Complaints).
About You – Skills
* Able to organise own work and meet deadlines.
* Microsoft Office skills (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook).
* Good IT skills and ability to use databases.
* Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
* Take initiative and work independently with good attention to detail.
* Accurate spelling and grammar.
About You – Personal Qualities
* Resilient and able to handle difficult customers.
* Comfortable working as part of a team and playing an active role.
* Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with a range of people.
* Ambition to develop skills and experience.
* Enthusiastic, dynamic and forward‑thinking.
* Willingness to learn and undertake a range of tasks as required.
* Interest in the environment and sustainability.
Eligibility Criteria
Good Maths and English skills are desirable but not essential. You must be able to converse with ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English (Code of Practice: English language requirements for public sector workers 2016). Applicants with a degree or equivalent qualification in the same subject are not eligible.
Location
High Wycombe (minimum of two days per week); occasional work in Aylesbury offices.
Duration and Salary
Duration: 18 months. Initial salary: £15,392 p.a. for the first year, increasing to National Minimum Wage if 19+ when starting the second year. Apprentices are eligible for paid holiday, pension scheme, 50% off Arriva bus travel and a range of discounts through the Employee Benefits scheme.
Benefits
* Paid holiday package.
* Generous pension scheme.
* 50% off Arriva bus travel.
* Restaurant, shop, and gym discounts via Employee Benefits scheme.
* Option to apply for a TOTEM Card (formerly NUS Extra card).
Future Prospects
We cannot guarantee a permanent position following completion of the apprenticeship; however, the role provides skills for future employment opportunities.
Legal Notice
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and/or convictions.
Contact
For questions, contact Shahzaib Khan – [email protected].
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