Description Job Title: Trading Standards Professional Apprentice Salary: £24,522 per annum Grade: A Contract Type: Apprenticeship Contract 36 months Working Hours: 37 hours per week A fast‑track route into an exciting enforcement career Do you want a career where you can genuinely make a difference? Are you interested in tackling unfair trading, protecting consumers and keeping unsafe or illegal goods off the shelves? Ever thought about working in Trading Standards but weren’t sure how to get started? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Why this apprenticeship? This is a fast‑track Level 6 (degree‑level) Trading Standards Practitioner apprenticeship, designed for people who are serious about becoming a fully qualified Trading Standards Officer as quickly as possible. You’ll be condensing the usual three years of study into two intensive years, learning on the job while gaining a nationally recognised qualification. It’s challenging, fast‑paced and rewarding — but you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll be fully supported by an experienced, friendly Trading Standards team and a specialist training provider. What you’ll be doing As part of our Trading Standards team, you’ll get stuck into a wide range of real enforcement work, including: Supporting Trading Standards Officers with investigations and enforcement activity Advising businesses and consumers on Trading Standards legislation Gaining hands‑on experience across a broad range of consumer protection work Playing a key role in enforcing tobacco and vape regulations, including tackling illicit and underage sales This role is funded through a Department of Health and Social Care investment aimed at strengthening Trading Standards enforcement — making it an especially exciting time to join, with major new legislation expected to come into force from 2027. No two days are the same, and the work you do will have a direct, positive impact on the Thurrock community. Where you’ll work Your office base will be at the Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, Essex but the role is varied and flexible. You’ll also: Work from home some of the time Be out and about on site, visiting businesses and communities About the apprenticeship Level 6 Trading Standards Practitioner Apprenticeship Course duration: 29 months Contract Length: 36 months Two days per week “off‑the‑job” training Additional study in your own time is expected, particularly if you’re aiming for higher grades This is a degree‑level programme, studied at pace, so it’s important you’re comfortable with academic study alongside a demanding job. What we’re looking for We’re keen to hear from people who are: Highly motivated and willing to learn Organised, methodical and confident managing their time Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team Friendly, professional and confident communicators Detail‑focused and self‑motivated IT literate, with experience using Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel Minimum requirements: A Levels (or equivalent) as a minimum Ideally, you’ll already have completed a degree GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English, or a willingness to achieve Functional Skills if not already held DBS Check: At Basic Level is required for this post Working hours 37 hours per week Benefits of Working with Us At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: Generous annual leave entitlement Local Government Pension Scheme Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable) Ongoing training and professional development Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support Staff discounts and local offers A supportive and inclusive working environment Important Dates Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 7th May 2026 Closing Date (Internal & External): 25th May 2026 Interview Date: 18th June 2026 Interested? If you’d like an informal chat about the role, contact Charlotte Edwards,, Trading Standards Team Manager, at trading.standards@thurrock.gov.uk To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document) How to apply Click “Apply now” and complete the online application form. (CVs alone are not accepted) If you experience any issues applying, please email recruitment@thurrock.gov.uk