The V&A is a family of museums dedicated to the power of creativity. Our mission is to champion design and creativity in all its forms, advance cultural knowledge, and inspire makers, creators and innovators everywhere. We share a 5,000-year-old story of creativity through exhibitions, events, educational programmes, digital experiences, conservation, research, and an ever-evolving national collection of over 2.8m objects spanning every creative discipline.
Job description
The Front of House Apprenticeship is a unique opportunity to learn on the job whilst working towards a Level 2 Customer Service Specialist qualification.
Over the 18 months, you will work within two teams (split evenly into 9-month rotations) working with both our visitor experience and shop teams to develop a holistic skillset to customer service.
You will be taught the ins and outs of the V&A work within a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and motivated team that will support you along the way. From understanding our shop products to working directly with V&A’s customers you will be bringing the V&A to life and what makes it one of the best museums in the world.
You will work closely with the training provider Inspiro to complete your apprenticeship, and your line managers will also support you throughout your learning journey.
On a day-to-day basis, you'll be working in the V&A shops and welcome spaces, in a busy and exciting public-facing environment.
The role is versatile and no day is the same, you'll be working with team members across Front of House and will get to know people from all areas of the museum.
You'll learn about great customer service, proactively engaging with and helping visitors from all over the UK and the world.
You'll make our visitors aware of our varied offering; selling tickets, operating our tills and learning cash handling skills. It's an active role and does involve being on your feet alongside some light manual handling.
What we offer you
- 29 days of holiday + public holidays each year
- 5.5% employee pension contribution, 10% employer pension contribution
(post-probation)
(to value of 4 x annual salary)
e.g. enhanced maternity +paid carers leave
- An interest-free loan for a travelcard, bike, or for a deposit if you’re renting (post-probation)
- Free entrance to many major museums and exhibitions
- Benefits platform offering discounts at major retailers
- An Employee Assistance Programme – free and confidential services to provide support
- Tickets to V&A exhibitions for you, your friends or family + 25% discount on V&A shops and cafes
To become an apprentice, you must:
- be 16 or over
- not already be in full-time education
As an apprentice you’ll:
- complete a L2 Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeship standard
- have regular one to one sessions with a dedicated trainer either remotely or through visits to your workplace
- learn and train for a specific job
- get paid and receive holiday leave
- get hands-on experience in a real job
- study for at least 20% of your working hours
- complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
- be on a career path with lots of future potential
- be entitled to a TOTUM membership, find out more here About TOTUM | TOTUM UK
Skills required
A strong team player, with the ability to work closely with peers to achieve a common goal.Experience communicating clearly, with the ability to adapt your communication style for different groups
Qualifications required Not required as full training will be given.
Personal qualities
Someone with aspirations for a career in retail and serviceRespects others’ expertise, time, perspectives, and contribution.Takes responsibility for delivering on actions, achieving high-standards, and learning from mistakesOpen to change, new ideas and suggestion; looks for opportunities for improvement and self-developmentWorks with others outside their own department in a collaborative, understanding and engaging way.Shares our Values of Sustainability, Equity, Creativity, Collaboration & Generosity
Things to consider This vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received and you may be invited to an interview before the closing date. Please ensure you apply early to avoid disappointment.
Job Type: Apprenticeship
Pay: £13.85 per hour
Expected hours: 36 per week
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Life insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 03/03/2025
