Summary
Join Sandwell Council’s Registration Services as an Apprentice in Customer Service and Catering at Sandwell Valley Crematorium. Gain hands-on experience in a respectful, customer-facing role, supporting families and helping with catering for wakes, receptions, and events. Build skills in food preparation, hospitality, communication, and teamwork.
Wage
£11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Training course
Customer service practitioner (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday between the hours of 8.00am - 3.00pm with occasional evening and weekend working
30 hours a week
Start date
Friday 2 January 2026
Duration
1 year 3 months
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to join Sandwell Council’s Registration Services as an Apprentice in Customer Service and Catering at Sandwell Valley Crematorium.
In this combined role, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in a respectful, customer-facing environment, supporting bereaved families and guests while assisting with catering operations for wakes, receptions, and events in the Café and Reception Suite.
You’ll learn practical skills in food preparation, hospitality, and customer service — while developing your communication, administration, and teamwork abilities.
Working alongside experienced and supportive colleagues, you will:
* Assist with the preparation and serving of food and drinks for wakes, receptions, and events
* Provide polite, professional, and compassionate customer service to members of the public, including bereaved families
* Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment in the Café, Reception Suite, and kitchen areas
* Learn how to prepare hot and cold beverages, snacks, and light meals to a high standard
* Support day-to-day catering and hospitality operations, including stock control and restocking supplies
* Assist with basic administration tasks, such as taking messages, processing bookings, updating records, and handling cash or card payments
* Support the provision of funeral, memorial, and wake services, ensuring sensitivity and professionalism at all times
* Attend training sessions and work towards achieving your Customer Service apprenticeship qualification, including learning about food hygiene, health & safety, and customer care standards
* Contribute to the promotion of catering services and community events as required
Where you'll work
Sandwell Valley Crematorium
Newton Road
West Bromwich
B71 3SX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SANDWELL COLLEGE
Training course
Customer service practitioner (level 2)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Use a range of questioning skills, including listening and responding in a way that builds rapport, determines customer needs and expectations and achieves positive engagement and delivery.
* Depending on your job role and work environment: Use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills, along with summarising language during face-to-face communications; and/or
* Depending on your job role and work environment: Use appropriate communication skills, along with reinforcement techniques (to confirm understanding) during non-facing customer interactions.
* Depending on your job role and work environment: Use an appropriate ‘tone of voice’ in all communications, including written and digital, that reflect the organisation’s brand.
* Provide clear explanations and offer options in order to help customers make choices that are mutually beneficial to both the customer and your organisation.
* Be able to organise yourself, prioritise your own workload/activity and work to meet deadlines.
* Demonstrate patience and calmness.
* Show you understand the customer’s point of view.
* Use appropriate sign-posting or resolution to meet your customers needs and manage expectations.
* Maintain informative communication during service recovery.
Training schedule
Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard:
* The apprenticeship training will be delivered in the workplace, as you will receive visits from a college assessor
* The apprenticeship will also include a proportion of 20% Off The Job Training and a robust programme of Mandatory Apprentice Training provided by Sandwell Council to include Fire Awareness, Prevent, Safeguarding, Data Protection & Cyber Security and Equality & Diversity
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English Language (grade Grade A-C/9-4)
* Maths (grade Grade A-D/9-3)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Presentation skills
* Administrative skills
* Number skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Patience
* Flexible attitude
* Empathy & Sympathy
* Adhere to Health & Safety
* Wear PPE
Other requirements
Proof of Qualifications will be required during the recruitment process. This role is ideal for someone confident, friendly, and willing to learn by shadowing senior staff and attending relevant training. You must be aged 18+ due to the sale of alcohol and be able to wear a uniform and any necessary protective equipment. A mature and professional attitude is essential, along with an empathetic and sympathetic disposition. You’ll need to be flexible to work on a rota, follow food hygiene and infection control procedures, and be physically fit, as the role involves some lifting and handling of stock.