Apprentice Customer Service Officer

Introduction

Gravesham Borough Council are looking for an Apprentice Customer Service Officer to join their friendly and supportive team. This is a great opportunity to learn, gain valuable office experience and develop the skills needed for a career in customer service.

About the Employer

We are committed to delivering to the community and working with us means you are part of delivering the level of growth and improvement our community needs and deserves. A range of services have been provided to over 106,000 people and 4,000 businesses.

The Borough of Gravesham, situated in the north west corner of Kent, covers 25,000 acres of the most varied countryside in south east England. Bordered by the River Thames to the north, it is at the heart of Thames Gateway and has a significant role to play in the regeneration of a major government growth area.

What You'll Do

You’ll receive full training and support throughout your apprenticeship. You’ll start by getting to know the team, Council services and office environment, supporting with a range of admin tasks such as gathering information and pulling together statistics. As your confidence grows, you’ll gradually take on more customer-facing responsibilities and work towards becoming a confident Apprentice Customer Service Officer.

No two days will be the same! You’ll learn how to support customers, solve problems and help people access the services they need, while also gaining a broader understanding of how a busy office team works.

You’ll start by supporting experienced colleagues with administrative tasks and, as you develop your skills, you’ll take on more responsibility for speaking with customers by telephone, email and face-to-face.

Key Duties:

• Learn about Gravesham Borough Council services and how they support local residents
• Support the team with general administrative tasks, including gathering information and statistics
• Develop your IT, organisation and communication skills
• Build your confidence in speaking with customers by telephone, email and face-to-face
• Progressively take on more responsibility for responding to customer enquiries
• Provide helpful and friendly advice and guidance to customers
• Help customers resolve queries and problems
• Work alongside experienced colleagues in a busy and supportive team
• Develop the skills and confidence to progress into a Customer Service Officer role

Benefits:

• A minimum of 23 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays
• Membership to Local Government Pension Scheme - Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to over 1000+ instant discounts from favourite retailers, restaurants, food delivery services and attractions via our benefits portal VivUp
• Career development, training opportunities and access to e-learning
• Access to eye care vouchers and VDU Glasses
• External Occupational Health service
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to an employee assistance programme 24/7
• Hybrid Working (minimum two days in the office per week)
• Free parking
• Octopus Electric Vehicles Salary Sacrifice Scheme 

Important Information:

Local Government Reorganisation:

In April 2028 Local government in Kent is moving to a new unitary council structure. If you join us now, you will be employed by Gravesham Borough Council in the first instance, but staff are expected to transfer to the new organisation under TUPE arrangements in April 2028. This means your continuity of employment and existing terms and conditions will be protected.

Training Outcome

This is a fantastic opening to apply for permanent employment upon completion of the apprenticeship.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - 4/C
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - 4/C

Course Information

Course: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Level: 2

Route: Sales, marketing and procurement

Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday to Friday (an hour for lunch), working hours TBC.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months

Training Provider: LEARNING SKILLS PARTNERSHIP LTD