Apprentice Environmental Health Officer

Coventry City Council; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established local authority is seeking an Apprentice Environmental Health Officer to join their dynamic Food and Safety Team. This unique apprenticeship offers the chance to earn while you learn, providing a pathway to a degree in Environmental Health from the University of Wolverhampton. The role emphasizes practical training alongside academic study, preparing you for a fulfilling career in public health. With a commitment to inclusivity and community service, this position is ideal for motivated individuals eager to make a positive impact on health and safety standards in the community.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local government pension scheme

Accredited training opportunities

Access to Occupational Health services

Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Qualifications

• Motivated individuals with an interest in public health and environmental issues.
• Ability to manage academic and practical responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Undertake a Level 6 apprenticeship in Environmental Health.
• Work in the Food and Safety Team while studying.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Time Management

IT Skills

Education

A-Level or equivalent

Job description

Apprentice Environmental Health Officer

Our Values

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled, and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remain at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

About the team we are recruiting to

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, accepting of all, and free from discrimination and bias.

The Food and Safety Team is responsible for administering all requirements under food and health and safety law, including inspections, complaint investigations, and accident investigations.

We have a great team spirit, evidenced by regular development opportunities, low staff turnover, and low sickness rates.

We are based within the city centre, in the One Friargate office building, across from Coventry train station.

What is the job role?

You will undertake the Level 6 Apprenticeship standard in Environmental Health. This is a unique opportunity to study for a degree while earning a salary and gaining practical skills by working as a member of the Environmental Health Team. You will study BSc (Hons) Environmental Health with the University of Wolverhampton, commencing September 2025. On days when not attending taught classes, you will work in the Food and Safety Team and have opportunities to work in other teams supporting Environmental Health functions, including Community Safety, Housing, and Environmental Protection.

Building on the knowledge gained from the degree, you will develop practical skills of an Environmental Health Officer while learning from and supporting experienced professionals. Upon successful completion of the four-year degree programme, you will have the opportunity to gain professional status as an Environmental Health Officer.

It will be a condition of employment that you are accepted onto the degree programme by the University of Wolverhampton.

As part of the apprenticeship package, the degree tuition fees are fully funded by Coventry City Council, so you will not require a tuition fee loan. You will also earn a salary while studying.

Further information about this apprenticeship can be found at: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/

You will undertake the Level 6 Apprenticeship standard in Environmental Health.

This apprenticeship role is a fixed-term contract for 4 years, aligned with the duration of the training program.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate will be:

• Seeking a career where they can make a difference to people's health and the environment
• Able to handle the academic demands of studying for an honours degree while developing practical skills
• Highly motivated and organized, with excellent time management skills
• An excellent communicator and influencer

The successful candidate will have:

• An investigative and analytical approach
• Strong IT skills, with the ability to produce clear reports and case records
• Alignment with Coventry City Council’s behaviors and values
• A valid driving license is desirable, as travel across the city will be required
• For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Mr. Pardip Mohan, Principal Environmental Health Officer, at 024 7697 1165 or via email at [e-mail]

When applying, please include the following in your personal statement:

1. Your opinion on a current topical Environmental Health issue

2. Why you consider yourself suited for a career in Environmental Health

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page for assistance.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - We offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups, provided you meet the minimum requirements and identify with one of the following criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Individuals currently in care or who have been in care
• Persons who consider themselves disabled or have a long-term health condition

For full application details, please see the attached document labeled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. Evidence of AI use in applications may lead to rejection unless justified.

Closing date: 26th May 2025

Pre-interview (Virtual): 5th June 2025

Interview (Face-to-face): 19th June 2025

Support is available to help you with your application. Contact The Job Shop at:

• Address: West Orchard Way, Coventry CV1 1FY
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]
• Website: http://www.coventry.gov.uk/jobshop

About Coventry

Coventry has a proud, innovative, and creative spirit, with a history of community-driven social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant, and diverse.

Our commitment is to excellence, with around 5100 staff from diverse backgrounds dedicated to serving our community.

We offer a rewarding benefits package, including:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Outstanding local government pension scheme
• Opportunities for accredited training
• Access to Occupational Health services
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Coventry City Council

Attached documents:

• Job Description and Person Specification.pdf
• Coventry City Council Application Process.pdf