The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Trading Standards Apprentice
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Protect our community from rogue traders, champion fair business and launch a rewarding career in public service.
As a Trading Standards Apprentice, you’ll be a vital line of defence for our borough, helping to protect residents from scams and unsafe goods while supporting local businesses to thrive.
Working Style
You’ll be based in the Borough for five days each week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you're working out in the field on inspections or supporting the service behind the scenes in the office, you’ll be part of a dedicated team helping to make a real difference to residents' everyday lives.
What you’ll be doing
Your day-to-day work will focus on supporting the investigation and management of a reactive caseload of trading standards work. Working closely with experienced officers, you’ll help conduct inspections, investigate complaints and take appropriate enforcement action.
- Collect evidence
- Draft formal notices
- Prepare case files for potential legal proceedings
- Attend court as a witness when necessary
This is a highly varied role where you'll also undertake test purchases, take samples and assist with the testing of goods to monitor compliance across the borough.
Alongside enforcement, a significant part of your role involves providing clear, practical advice to both consumers and businesses on their rights and obligations under consumer protection legislation. You’ll help local stakeholders navigate complex rules, ensuring businesses can operate fairly and residents are shielded from scams, counterfeit products and tobacco and vape enforcement. You’ll also accurately input data into computer systems to maintain reliable case records and contribute directly to wider trading standards projects as regulations change.
For further details, please review the Job Description and Person Specification [https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/pdf/jds/Trading Standards Apprentice JD.pdf]
What you’ll bring
We’re looking for someone who is flexible, resilient and highly adaptable, as no two days in this team are ever the same. You’ll have excellent communication skills, both written and spoken, with the confidence to explain complex legal guidance to different audiences in a respectful and clear manner. A strong eye for detail is essential, particularly when handling evidence, keeping accurate records and working within strict legal procedures and policies.
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To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll be highly organised, able to manage your time effectively to meet deadlines and comfortable working under supervision while also undertaking independent study. You must have achieved a pass in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at Level 1 or above and typically hold at least five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Most importantly, you’ll bring a proactive attitude, a strong willingness to learn and a commitment to working collaboratively to support our diverse communities.
Why join us
At RBKC, we’re all in – investing in our people, our communities and our future.
Our Trading Standards team is collaborative and supportive, offering a workspace where knowledge is shared freely and colleagues look out for one another. This 42-month apprenticeship offers a unique pathway to launch your career, allowing you to spend 20 per cent of your working hours gaining skills and knowledge towards a fully funded Trading Standards Professional Level 6 apprenticeship standard.
You’ll receive structured training, mentoring and support to successfully obtain a professional qualification from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute or the Institute for Apprenticeships. We also offer a competitive salary, excellent professional development and wellbeing support to help you thrive. By joining us, you’ll protect residents from unfair trading, help local businesses succeed and build a rewarding career in public service.
About us
Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough.
As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.
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In this role, you’ll bring a real sense of care and commitment to protecting our community from rogue traders, scams and unsafe products. Navigating complex legal casework and conducting business inspections isn't always smooth sailing, but your calm, practical and resilient approach will help vulnerable residents feel supported and ensure local businesses can operate fairly. By fully committing to this apprenticeship, you’ll find that every challenge becomes a valuable opportunity to grow professionally while making a positive, lasting difference to our borough.
Interview Details
Interviews will be held face to face at Kensington Town Hall, week commencing 24th August 2026.
This role will require an Enhanced DBS.
Ready to join us?
We’re all in – are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description.
We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants.
We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
We are committed to fair, transparent, and consistent pay practices. New hires will start at the minimum of the advertised salary range.
Employees receive annual salary increases until they reach the top of the pay scale. In addition, employees will receive any agreed cost of living pay rises.
This vacancy will be open to all, with no geographical restrictions.
However, applicants who are either:
- A resident in the Borough
- An RBKC care leaver
- An RBKC school leaver who left school in the past 5 years
and who meet the minimum requirements of the role as outlined in the Job Description, will be guaranteed an interview.
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