About The Role
Access Islington, the customer-facing teams of Islington Council, is seeking apprentices for positions in our hubs and call centre. While undertaking these roles, apprentices will pursue a Level 2 Qualification in Customer Service. The role involves providing front-facing customer service and engaging with Islington residents daily, both in person at our Access Islington hubs and via telephone.
Do you enjoy working with people and the public?
Do you have a keen eye for detail and interested in problem solving?
Do you want to work in a busy environment and put our residents at the heart of everything you do?
If so then read on…
Islington Council offers a wide range of high-quality apprenticeships. Or apprenticeships combine working in a great job, with training, development, and a competitive salary. You will be given dedicated time in your working week to focus on your studies. You will also have access to a network of colleagues from within the organisation and tutors to support your learning.
The Customer Service apprenticeship consists of an 18-month opportunity to learn and to provide support to the Access Islington team. We are responsible Islington Council’s front door, call and service centre and the central point of contact for the Council’s residents.
You will gain an understanding of the work of the team and will work in a supported learning environment whilst working towards a nationally recognised Level 2 Customer Service apprenticeship.
To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:
- Be aged 16 or above and
- Be an Islington resident or
- Islington care leaver or
- Islington school leaver in the last 12 months
You will also need to satisfy the following course entry requirements:
- Not already have a qualification at the similar level or above in this apprenticeship subject
- Not have extensive skills or experience in this apprenticeship subject.
- Pass the course entry tests for example in Maths and English
The Job - Working as a Customer Service Apprentice for the Council you will:
- Respond to customer enquiries via phone and in person
- Assist with data collection
- Record resident applications, actions and decisions on our IT systems. Training will provided
- Use various software to carry duties including Word, Excel and our internal systems as necessary. Training will be provided.
Training and Development – As part of your role you will:
- Complete a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeshipqualification.
- Study Maths and English if you have not already achieved a GCSE or Level 2 equivalent.
- Participate in the Councils apprenticeship network and various development activities.
- Have access to a buddy/mentor.
If you would like to find out more, join our insight session on 4th March 2025 at 2pm. Application guidance, hints and tips will be provided, including the opportunity to hear from our ex-apprentices. Please register your details on Eventbrite
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
Our offer to you
We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
Recruitment information
It is the policy of Islington Council that no user of service, present or future employee or job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of their sex, perceived or actual sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion or belief, age, creed, colour, nationality, national origin, ethnic origin, or disability, or on the grounds of their association with someone in one of these groups; nor is disadvantaged by any conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justified. We welcome applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates and acknowledge our responsibility to mitigate against racial discrimination.
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
