Cadet jobs

• Do you want to be part of a major government drive to tackle illegal tobacco and vapes?
• Are you analytical, resilient, fair and confident communicating with a wide range of people?
• Are you ready to kickstart your career and make a real difference by protecting communities from unsafe and illegal goods?

Look no further!

We are delighted to be recruiting a Trainee Trading Standards and Licensing Officer (Tobacco and Vapes) to join our team at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

This is a 29-month Level 6 apprenticeship, giving you the chance to earn whilst you learn and kickstart a meaningful career in Trading Standards.

What does a career in the trading standards and licensing service involve?

In Trading Standards, we work to protect consumers and support honest businesses by investigating complaints, enforcing the law, and tackling unfair or unsafe trading practices.

We tackle issues that directly affect residents health, safety and finances - from scams and rogue traders to unsafe goods, such as food past its use-by date or products sold illegally to underage people.

This is a particularly exciting time to join us. With the new Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 and funding focused on tackling the illicit tobacco and vaping market, were expanding our work in this area - and thats where you come in.

Did you know that across the UK, Trading Standards and HMRC have removed more than 74 million illicit cigarettes and 19,750kg of hand-rolling tobacco from sale since January 2021?

By joining us, youll be building a career whilst contributing to a wider effort to protect communities, reduce harm and keep people safe.

About the role

In this role, no two days are the same and whilst your emphasis will be on tackling the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes, youll gain exposure to all other types of Trading Standards and Licensing work.

You will:

• Assist with projects targeting illicit tobacco and vape sales
• Investigate and respond to complaints and enquiries from residents and businesses
• Visit and inspect premises to check compliance with the law
• Contribute to enforcement activity and case preparation
• Provide advice and guidance to businesses

As well as working operationally with residents and businesses, youll also have the opportunity to work on wide-scale projects, including across the wider area of trading standards and licensing.

Alongside your work, youll be working towards a Level 6 Trading Standards Professional qualification with CSA, equivalent to an undergraduate degree, fully funded by the Council.

After passing the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for Trading Standards and Licensing Officer posts, subject to availability of posts within the team.

For more information about the apprenticeship, please see attached programme document.

What do you need?

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 GCSEs (Grade 4/C or above) including English and Maths
• Level 3 qualification (e.g. A-Levels or equivalent)
• Full UK Driving Licence

Other than the above, no formal qualifications or experience is required, but you should have:

• Willingness and ability to study for and complete a Level 6 apprenticeship (equivalent to an undergraduate degree)
• Good IT, communication and problem-solving skills
• Professionalism and resilience in challenging situations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Please note: To be eligible for this apprenticeship, applicants must meet standard apprenticeship funding requirements, including the right to work in the UK and not already hold a degree in a related subject.

What can we offer you?

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council prides itself on being a great place to work where staff are trusted, valued and supported to make a positive contribution at work.

We offer an excellent total reward package, including:

• A competitive career-graded salary of £29,540 in your first year, up to £32,597 in your final year. For more information, please see the attached career grade document.
• 27 days annual leave per year rising to 32 with 5 years service (plus bank holidays). Ability to purchase additional leave is also available.
• Generous Pension Scheme through the LGPS with ability to pay extra and plan for retirement.
• Access to a number of other employee benefits including learning and development opportunities, a car lease scheme, discounts at high street and online retailers, an employee assistance programme and physiotherapy services.

And thats not all - you may also be able to work flexibly where you can work part of your week at home.

For more information about working for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, please visit the Careers section on our website:

https://www.stockton.gov.uk/careers

Ready to apply?

If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please contact Jimmy Jones - Trading Standards Manager on jimmy.jones@stockton.gov.uk

Otherwise, click Apply now to submit your application.

Please note: We anticipate a high level of interest in this role and may close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date, therefore we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Important Applicant Guidance

Accuracy and Use of AI Tools: You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

Application Updates and Communication: All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the My Messages section of your account.

Right to Work: All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Councils statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.

Visa Sponsorship: The Council offers visa sponsorship only for a small number of specific roles where it is considered appropriate and necessary to meet service needs. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is not relevant or applicable to most roles.

Council Principles: The Councils recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent. Sponsorship will only be offered where there is clear, evidenced justification, such as significant recruitment difficulty or the need for specialist skills that cannot be met from the local labour market.

Limitations: Where an individual (prospective or existing employee) cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, and where visa sponsorship is not appropriate, justified or approved, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employees visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.