Job Introduction
About Us
Are you interested in a career in consumer protection, regulation and enforcement?
Did you know that the government is funding the recruitment and training of apprentice Trading Standards Officers to enforce new regulations on cigarettes, tobacco and vapes as well as the full range of trading standards duties?
Trading Standards already enforces strict rules on tobacco and vapes and it’s about to get even more serious! Last year, across the country, Trading Standards seized more than a million illegal vapes, 19 million counterfeit cigarettes and 5,103kg of illicit hand rolling tobacco. New rules are about to be implemented and this role will be crucial in helping us to ensure compliance in Oxfordshire.
With over 200 pieces of legislation to enforce, the work of Trading Standards covers issues as diverse as food standards (what goes into food and how its labelled and described), animal health and farming standards, fair trading, the accuracy of weighing and measuring equipment, product safety and the sale of age restricted products (and much, much, more!). Trading Standards professionals protect the public through every stage of their lives, as consumers, without most people even being aware of it – from making sure you get the pint you’ve paid for to knowing the food you eat has no nasty surprises!
We carry out our work by investigating complaints, visiting farms, factories, and business, testing samples, providing advice and taking formal action, when required. We resolve many issues by working with businesses and individuals to improve compliance with legal requirements but we also investigate potential breaches of consumer protection and fair trading legislation. We collect evidence, seize offending products, take witness statements, interview offenders, compile prosecution reports, impose fines and give evidence in court. Much of our work is done in partnership with other agencies, like the Police, HMRC, other councils and government agencies
About the Role
We are recruiting a trainee (level 6 apprentice) Trading Standards Officer on a 29 month fixed term contract to undertake a specialist apprenticeship (29 months maximum (24 months for learning delivery plus five months for End Point Assessment) via the well-known and respected apprenticeship provider, CSA. You’ll work in a supportive environment and be trained in all the basics of trading standards work but with a focus on vapes and tobacco enforcement and one of the following;
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food standards
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animal feeds
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animal health and welfare
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consumer products safety
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(with an introduction to weights and measures)
The successful candidate will need to be in post no later than beginning of October 2026 in order to join one of the apprenticeship cohorts at CSA.
Our Trainee Trading Standards Officer role is an excellent introduction into a great profession. You’ll develop professional skills and knowledge in our incredibly broad range of regulatory and investigative work.
When you pass the apprenticeship, associated professional qualifications and obtain a post as a Trading Standards Officer, you can expect to earn an initial salary of more than £38,000.
To find out more about a career in Trading Standards, check out the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s page on apprenticeships: https://www.tradingstandards.uk/practitioners/training-development/apprenticeships
While the council promotes its flexible and agile approach to employment, we know that this is a challenging traineeship with a huge amount to pack into the 3 years. For this reason, a full time work pattern is our preferred option. While we have an office base, you will need to be able to work at a variety of council premises, in the community, in business premises, farms and elsewhere. Sometimes the work requires us to work outside of normal office hours, outdoors and in inclement weather. You are likely to need to be able to, or be willing to learn to drive.
About you
To be considered:
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You’ll need Education – 5 GCSE’s grade 9-4 / A*- C, or equivalent (including Mathematics and English Language) and two A levels, Level 3 Diploma or equivalent and the aptitude and commitment to study towards a professional qualification. See the job description.
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You must not currently be employed in Trading Standards, not already have or be part way through any trading standards qualifications and must not have achieved a Regulatory Compliance Officer apprenticeship
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You need a demonstrable interest in Trading Standards work and issues around our contribution to public health (including vapes and tobacco)
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You’ll also need first class communication and customer service skills, good time management, high attention to detail and great organisational skills.
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You’ll need to be able to get around all parts of Oxfordshire (and sometimes further afield) easily and efficiently. Having a driving licence is one of our desirable criteria.
If you’re still reading, and you think you have what it takes, then we would love to hear from you. Please tell us in your application how you meet the essential criteria.
For an informal discussion about the posts, please contact: Emily James 07770 832987 [email protected] (3rd-6th Aug) or Russell Sharland 07766 998761 or [email protected] (7th-21st Aug)
Closing date: 21st August 2026
Interviews (in person, in Oxford): 1st September 2026
Rewards and benefits
The role itself, offers variety, new challenges and a first-class training programme that will help you establish a long-term professional career.
The Council is one of the region’s largest employers and as one of its employees you’ll have access to a range of benefits and rewards.
Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.
Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to: Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to: Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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