Apprentice Trading Standards Officer
Salary: £38,080 - £42,150 Inclusive of London Weighting
Contractual Hours: 35 hours per week
Hours of Work/Work Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:15am – 5:00pm with a 45-minute lunch break
Basis: Full -Time, Fixed term for 29 months
Workplace category: Hybrid
Workplace role categories describe our approach to workplace attendance.
Attachments: Job Description and Person Specification
Summary of Terms and Conditions of Employment
Apprentice Trading Standards Officer (Level 6 – Tobacco and Vapes)
Environment Department – Port Health & Public Protection – Trading Standards
This is an exceptional opportunity to join the City of London Trading Standards Team and train to become a fully qualified Trading Standards Officer through a nationally recognised Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship.
Trading Standards is a small but high-performing team that plays a vital role in supporting legitimate businesses, protecting consumers, and safeguarding the reputation of the Square Mile. You will contribute to a wide range of interesting, complex and impactful regulatory work from day one.
A key focus of this role is supporting the City Corporation’s work on tobacco and vaping enforcement. This programme is supported through targeted central government funding provided to local authorities to address the national priority of tackling illicit tobacco, reducing youth access to vaping products, and protecting public health. As such, it forms a critical part of the service’s regulatory programme. You will develop specialist knowledge and practical experience in addressing the sale and supply of illicit tobacco and unsafe vaping products, working on intelligence-led operations, inspections and investigations with partner agencies.
About the Role
The successful candidate will work alongside experienced officers, gradually developing the skills required to operate as an independent Trading Standards Officer.
You will:
Assist with and undertake investigations, inspections and enforcement activity across the full range of Trading Standards functions
Contribute to intelligence-led work targeting illegal and non-compliant businesses, with a particular focus on tobacco and vaping products
Support test purchasing, sampling and evidence gathering, including involvement in legal proceedings where appropriate
Provide advice and guidance to businesses and consumers to support compliance with legislation
Work collaboratively with partners, including the City of London Police and other enforcement agencies
Play a key role in protecting consumers, including identifying and supporting vulnerable victims
Training and Development
You will undertake a structured programme leading to the Level 6 Trading Standards qualification, supported by the City of London Corporation. This includes:
A formal apprenticeship programme of approximately two and a half years’ duration
Dedicated study time (around 20% of working hours)
Completion of coursework, portfolio evidence and end point assessment
Development of specialist knowledge, including in tobacco and vaping enforcement
This is an excellent opportunity to build a long-term career in a highly respected regulatory profession.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
Is enthusiastic, motivated and committed to learning and professional development
Is confident, professional and able to deal with a varied and at times challenging caseload
Has strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with businesses, consumers and partners
Can demonstrate a proactive approach to problem solving and investigation work
Has an interest in tackling illicit trade and protecting public health, particularly in relation to tobacco and vaping products
What We Offer
Working at the City of London Corporation offers a unique and rewarding environment. As part of the Trading Standards Team, you will:
Work in a high-profile regulatory service at the heart of London
Gain exposure to complex and nationally significant enforcement work
Receive full support to achieve your professional qualification
Benefit from modern offices at Guildhall and a collaborative, supportive team culture
Additional Information
Trading Standards in the City of London has a long and proud history of regulating trade and protecting the integrity of the Square Mile. Today, the team continues to play a key role in tackling emerging risks, including the growth of illicit markets such as illegal tobacco and vaping products.
For an informal discussion, please contact Steve Playle, Trading Standards Manager.
Steve.Playle@cityoflondon.gov.uk
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process the successful applicant will be required to obtain a Standard Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.
Closing date: 23:59pm on 16 July 2026
Interviews will be held on 27th , 28th and 29th July 2026
To apply online please click the Apply online button below.
Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OENV1325if you experience any difficulties. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.
The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications.
Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs.
For more information on our categories for workplace attendance, please view our guide here.
We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure we’re meeting our attendance needs.
Salary range
- £38,080 - £42,150 per year