Trading Standards Apprentice

Hartlepool is a vibrant and energetic town with growing prospects. As an authority we want to make Hartlepool the best it possibly can be and want dedicated, driven and committed staff to help us achieve that.

In return we can offer you a competitive salary as well as a range of different benefits including access to a Local Government Pension Scheme; a generous annual leave allowance; access to a range of savings across the UK’s major retailers; Cycle to Work Scheme; an Employee Assistance Programme and Hybrid working and a flexi scheme where applicable.   

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join Hartlepool Trading Standards Service as a Trading Standards Apprentice on a 29 Month fixed term contract, this is made possible due to the governments £10 million boost for Trading Standards Services across the country.

The main focus of the additional funding is to help stop harmful illegal tobacco and illegal vape products finding their way into neighbourhood shops and homes, as well as stopping underage sales. Officers work closely with local partnership agencies to take down organised crime groups that operate within networks to supply illegal vapes and illegal tobacco, inspecting premises, seizing illegal items and taking appropriate enforcement action. You will gather and process intelligence and respond to complaints and enquiries with a focus on but not restricted to tobacco and vaping products. You will undertake project work, carry out inspections of business, investigate business non-compliance and provide support, advice and guidance to local businesses. The role requires an ability to learn quickly, to act confidently and requires good organisation skills and an ability to prioritise. You must be able to behave sensitively and maintain confidentiality where needed.

The Trading Standards Apprentice will train to become a qualified Trading Standards Officer over a fixed term of 29 months through completing the Trading Standards Level 6 professional Tobacco and Vape apprenticeship and any additional training courses that are deemed necessary. 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.

The applicant will need to be passionate about consumer protection and the role Trading Standards have, has excellent attention to detail, acts in a professional and personable manner who can remain calm and confident under pressure along with the ability to communicate well.

We require 5 GCSE' grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) including Maths and English Language and a Level 3 Qualification (e.g. A Levels or equivalent).

Hartlepool Borough is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.  This post is subject to safer recruitment measures and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required at the appropriate level.

For further information please contact Recruiting Manager’s Rachael Readman, Trading Standards and Licensing Manager on View phone number on northeastjobs.org.uk.

Closing date: 19th October 2026

If you need help to complete the application form, then support is available from the Council's Jobs & Skills Service. You can contact the team by phoning View phone number on northeastjobs.org.uk or by sending an e-mail to View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk . 

Further information on training to upskill and boost your CV is also available online at 

PLEASE NOTE- All communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the e-mail address that you have registered.  Please ensure that you also check your junk mail.