Come and join us on a National Trust apprenticeship where we will support and develop you to play an integral part in our work to tackle climate change, protect historic sites and help people and nature thrive. You don’t need experience for this role, just loads of enthusiasm and a desire to learn.
Great visitor experiences are in our nature and we believe everyone should feel welcomed, appreciated and more engaged because of the excellent service you provide. This role would suit anyone with enthusiasm for delivering great customer service.
On successful completion you will have a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Intermediate Apprenticeship and eligibility to join the Institute of Customer Service as an Individual member at Professional level, taking your first steps towards a career in customer service or hospitality.
The National Trust’s commitment is “For everyone, for ever.” Bringing that promise to life starts with the people that work here. It means building teams with a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. It means creating an inclusive environment where everyone is able to thrive.
Our apprenticeships are open to all. However, we particularly welcome applications from people of colour and people of the global majority because they are underrepresented at the Trust.
What it's like to work here:No two days will be the same. You can expect to meet many different people and gain a broad experience across all the areas you will be working in. You’ll get involved in all kinds of tasks, including greeting visitors on arrival, restocking the shelves in the shop and clearing tables in the café. Most importantly, you’ll be talking to visitors, answering their questions and making sure they can find everything they need to enjoy their day with us.
A unique opportunity to work at the Thames Valley Group. Basildon Park would be your primary site, being home to 400 acres of historic parkland surrounding an 18th-century Palladian country house restored by Lord & Lady Iliffe in the 1950's.
Over the next 12 months we will be working on the growth of our exciting programming, such as creating and delivering engaging visitor experiences like our Silhouettes of Society exhibition. With access to our beautiful rose garden, woodland walks and carefully restored parkland, you will get the fantastic opportunity to work weekly with our operational teams to help create an accessible and welcoming experience for our visitors.
What you'll be doing:Working alongside your workplace mentor on tasks specific to your apprenticeship, you will develop the skills & knowledge relevant to the apprenticeship standard Customer Service Practitioner Level 2.
Your apprenticeship training will be delivered by a Learning Coach who will visit you in the workplace every 4-6 weeks, teaching and learning sessions held online, lots of on-the-job learning and support every day in the workplace.
You’ll attend regular review meetings with your training provider and be accountable for your own progression. You’ll be required to complete mandatory e-learning, courses and training provided.
Who we're looking forWe would love to hear from you if you meet the following eligibility criteria by the start date of the role:
- A minimum of 2 GCSEs including English and maths at grade E/2, Functional Skills Level 1 or equivalent
- (If you hold an EHCP, Entry Level 3 in English and maths is acceptable.)
- Aged 16 or over and have completed Year 11
- Not in full‑time education
- Have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the past three consecutive years
- Not currently on any other training or education programme (e.g. another apprenticeship or a degree)
- Able to travel to the work location
If you are aged 18 or under at enrolment and have not achieved English and maths at grade C/4, you will be enrolled on Functional Skills Level 2 as part of your apprenticeship. If you are 19 or over, this will be optional, but we will support you to complete it when offered.
We'd love to hear from you if you're:
- Ready to start your apprenticeship – no experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm
- Positive, curious and up for learning – motivated, open‑minded and keen to grow
- Confident to speak and happy to listen – you help people feel heard and included
- A great team player – flexible, supportive and comfortable adapting when needed
- Able to follow instructions and stay safe – especially when using tools and equipment (we’ll teach you everything you need to know)
- Focused on giving great service – you care about helping others and doing a good job
- Friendly and respectful – especially when working with volunteers and the wider community
The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 30/03/28)
