The Application Process:

• Start your application on the Civil Service Jobs Website here. 
• Complete your application! Check Personal Statement and CV Guidance for useful hints and tips on completing your Personal Statement and CV. The CV is slightly different from a regular, standalone CV so please make sure to read the guidance!

You should hear whether you have been offered a interview within three weeks of the applications closing.

I started at OPSS in February 2019 as an RCO apprentice, having come from a Claims Management regulator. Since joining, I have worked on 3 different teams and worked on a large number of projects and workstreams – but one thing has been constant – I have never been short of new learning opportunities, from ‘the early days’ of completing my apprenticeship course, while learning the product safety regulations, through to completing the Enforcement Investigation Skills Training Course. The rich and varied learning opportunities I have been afforded have undoubtedly helped me in my day to day work, but also helped me to progress within the organisation and become more capable within my role.

For me, the stand-out feature of the apprenticeship for OPSS apprentices is the rotation system – I started in the Timber team and then joined the Alternative Fuel Labelling team before finally landing here in Product Safety. At first, I can say we were all apprehensive about the rotation system. However, after having experienced working in different teams, I can say that this is one of the  key benefits we have had, and I feel it definitely puts OPSS apprentices at an advantage over the other apprentices from different organisations with whom we attend workshops. Some of the positives include getting to see how different sectors are regulated because they are all enforced differently; learning new regulations; understanding your powers and limitations, and how they can differ depending on the regulation. You learn about different industries and challenges that affect a particular sector, engage with different types of businesses, and probably most importantly, rotating into different teams allows you to meet more of your OPSS colleagues, whom come from a variety of backgrounds with a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from. This is invaluable to apprentices when working on  coursework, as well as on-the-job projects.

OPSS and my apprenticeship has awakened my potential  and the skills and qualities that I never thought I had within me. I was most amazed by the encouragement and the available much sought-after learning opportunities. I am also impressed with the fact that I can approach anyone and they will listen to my concern and help me. My first rotation was with the Timber team, but it doesn’t feel that I’ve ever left, as we all still help each other and have lunches together. I’ve worked on several casefiles whilst on the Timber team, and now I am completing my own project with the current Eco Design team.

My apprenticeship has proven to be very effective. I have managed to work through different units and have gained pre-eminent knowledge and skills, which helps my daily work. For instance, we have covered risk assessment, inspection, effective communication, non-compliance, and sanction. It has expanded my understanding of my organisation, the partner organisation, and businesses. We have over 20 assignments  to undergo during these 15 months and to do that we need to undertake plenty of research and seek help from our colleagues.

So far, I am enjoying the work entailed, and grasping all the information that has been passed to me by my tutor and colleagues. I have had to apply self-management between work, trainings, and study, for which I’ll receive the pay-off once I achieve my goal. The apprenticeship is run by Babington, whom has provided a very helpful and flexible tutor – and has been invaluable in providing constructive feedback.

Rotations are best for my learning process.  They have helped me in learning the technicality of becoming a competent regulator, as well as getting to know more of my colleagues, engaging with different businesses, and learning from others, as everyone has their own method.  It is fantastic that we get to do all of this in 18 months! I feel very fortunate that I am able to meet the warmest colleagues and get to know their kindness. 

I believe an apprenticeship is the most logical path to success in this role!