Apprentice Environmental Health Assistant (Food & Safety)

Reading Borough Council; Reading; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is offering an Environmental Health apprenticeship that provides a broad understanding of Food Safety, Health and Safety, and Environmental Protection. Apprentices will engage in food inspections, support local businesses, and pursue a Level 6 qualification through Weston College. This role offers a unique opportunity to kickstart a career in public health and safety within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Willingness to pursue a Level 6 Apprenticeship Standard in Environmental Health.
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Carry out food complaint investigations.
• Assist with food inspections and investigate disease notifications.
• Support local businesses and participate in safety initiatives.

Skills

Investigation

Communication

Customer Service

Job description

Reading Borough Council is a unitary authority in Reading, Berkshire. Reading is an urban authority with a diverse population. Reading town centre is one of the largest in the South of England, with numerous commercial and domestic premises, a large university, college, and football stadium. The vision of Reading Borough Council is to ensure that Reading realizes its potential as a city of green spaces, smart technology, and economic growth, benefiting all residents and workers.

The Environmental Health professions, including Food Safety, Health and Safety, Environmental Protection, and Private Sector Housing, are part of Public Protection within the Community and Consumer Protection group. Public Protection is under Planning, Transport, and Public Protection, within the Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services.

Depending on vacancies at the time of completion, the apprentice may have the opportunity to apply for any vacant posts across the Environmental Health teams at Reading Borough Council.

You will work alongside staff covering a wide environmental health remit, including Food Safety, Health and Safety, Environmental Protection, and Private Sector Housing. Initially, you will gain an understanding of the broad range of work undertaken by the service. After completing the induction, you will be primarily based in the Food and Safety Team.

Responsibilities Will Include

• Carry out food complaint investigations
• Assist with food inspections
• Investigate infectious disease notifications and accident reports
• Inspect special treatments
• Conduct food sampling
• Provide help and support to local businesses and consumers
• Offer advice to customers and businesses
• Participate in safety initiatives, including collaborative work at Reading Festival
• Use database systems
• Handle service requests
• Support senior officers in their work
• Liaise with internal teams and external bodies, including government organizations
• You will pursue a Level 6 Apprenticeship Standard in Environmental Health through Weston College
• You will attend Weston College for workshops as scheduled
• An assessor will conduct on-site observations to evaluate your progress and support your college work
• At the end of the program, your qualification will be assessed via an End Point Assessment

Working hours are Monday to Friday, with shifts to be confirmed. Additional hours outside of normal working hours may be required.