Apprentice Trading Standards Officer

Job Title:

Apprentice Trading Standards Officer

Posting

Start Date:

02/07/2026

Posting End Date: 16/07/2026

Office

Location:

Guildhall

Level of DBS required for this role:
Standard

Level of vetting required?:
No security vetting is required

Is this a politically restricted post?:
No

Does this post require a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check?:
No

Salary: £38,080 - £42,150 Inclusive of London Weighting

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

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.

The successful candidate will work alongside experienced officers, gradually developing the skills required to operate as an independent Trading Standards Officer.

• 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

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 into tobacco and vaping enforcement

This is an excellent opportunity to build a long‑term career in a highly respected regulatory profession.

• 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
• Candemonstrates 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

• 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

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.

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.

Closing date: 23:59 p.m. on 16 July 2026

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.