Are you looking to develop a career in Trading Standards? A new and exciting opportunity to join our Trading Standards Team as a Tobacco and Vape Apprentice has arisen.
The role is a fully funded, hybrid, fixed term position of 30 months and would be ideal for someone who is dedicated to obtaining the requisite skills and knowledge to carry out the full duties of a Trading Standards Officer.
You would join our dynamic and innovative Trading Standards team who work to protect consumers and support legitimate businesses across East Sussex Trading Standards. Whilst you work you will also gain a Level 6 apprenticeship qualification, earning wages in the process. Trading Standards enforce issues as diverse as food standards, scams, fair trading, the accuracy of weighing and measuring equipment, product safety, the sale of age restricted products and much much more!
Working alongside experienced Trading Standards officers you will gain experience in carrying out a range of enforcement activities whilst also undertaking the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional apprenticeship. The role will focus on tobacco and vapes enforcement but you will be given the opportunity to study other areas of Trading Standards as well. You will be fully supported whilst you develop your skills and knowledge.
The duration of the apprenticeship will be approximately 30 months. The length of the apprenticeship may be amended should you have any applicable prior learning and your contract will end on successful completion of the apprenticeship

We do not require any previous Trading Standards experience but do require applicants to have the dedication and commitment to undertake the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional (Tobacco and Vape) Apprenticeship. We are looking for an individual who:

• is passionate about consumer protection and the role Trading Standards has
• has the ability to communicate effectively with a range of people
• is commitment to professional and personal development
• can work collaboratively as a member of a team
• can plan and organise a varied workload
• has the ability to use own initiative to solve problems

We require GCSE grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English Language for enrolment on the apprenticeship.
Please see the job description and person specification for full details of the role and our requirements.
A copy of the apprenticeship programme is also available for information.
To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a supporting statement. We will be using your supporting statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.’
Interviews will be taking place on the 8 to 10 September 2025 . If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.
East Sussex Trading Standards has gained a national reputation for the development and support it has offered its previous apprentices and we will continue to ensure apprentices develop and thrive in their Trading Standards career.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page .
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Andrew Clooney, Trading Standards Manager at trading.standards@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a MS teams call or phone call.
The job opportunity here offered the chance to do a qualification alongside working. Not many jobs offer that opportunity. Rebecca, Trading Standards Trainee
Additional Information
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.
If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .
If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above

Please refer the Job description for details