Customer Service Apprentice - Level 2 24,785 pa

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 enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

Great visitor experiences are part of 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.

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 tasks such as greeting visitors, restocking the shop, clearing tables in the café, and most importantly, talking to visitors, answering their questions and ensuring they can find everything they need to enjoy their day with us.

A unique opportunity to work at the Thames Valley Group. Basildon Park will be your primary site, covering 400 acres of historic parkland surrounding an 18th century Palladian country house restored by Lord & Lady Iliffe in the 1950s.

Over the next 12 months we will work 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 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 the apprenticeship, you will develop the skills and 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, and 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 for

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 (or EHCP with Entry Level 3 in English and maths).
• Aged 16 or over and have completed Year 11.
• 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 would 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.
• 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 package

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary.
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18).
• Season ticket loan.
• 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.

National Trust place

Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.