Location: Bishop Auckland
Salary: £8.00 per hour
Hours: Monday to Friday
Apprenticeship: Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner

The Opportunity

Are you friendly, confident and looking for an opportunity to start a career in customer service?

We are recruiting for a Customer Service Apprentice to join a busy and supportive team within an established retail business.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys speaking to people, solving problems and providing a brilliant customer experience. You will receive full training while working towards a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship.

You do not need previous office or customer service experience. We are much more interested in finding someone with a positive attitude, good communication skills and a genuine willingness to learn.

What You’ll Be Doing

As part of the customer service team, you will gradually learn how to support customers across a range of different channels.

Your duties will include:

• Answering incoming customer telephone calls
• Responding to customer emails and online enquiries
• Communicating with customers through Live Chat
• Helping customers with questions about products, orders and deliveries
• Making outbound calls to customers when required
• Resolving customer queries and finding appropriate solutions
• Updating customer information and records accurately
• Using internal systems to find information and process enquiries
• Liaising with other departments to resolve customer issues
• Handling complaints calmly and professionally
• Keeping customers updated throughout their enquiry
• Building your knowledge of the company’s products and services
• Completing general administration linked to customer enquiries
• Working as part of a team to deliver a high standard of service

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Is friendly, approachable and confident speaking to people
• Has good written and verbal communication skills
• Enjoys helping others and solving problems
• Is comfortable speaking to customers over the telephone
• Has a positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Can remain calm and professional when dealing with difficult situations
• Is organised and has good attention to detail
• Is comfortable using computers and learning new systems
• Works well as part of a team
• Is reliable and punctual
• Wants an opportunity to learn, develop and progress

Previous customer service experience would be beneficial but is not essential, as full training will be provided.

Your Apprenticeship

Alongside your role, you will complete a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship.

You will develop skills and knowledge in areas including:

• Understanding customers and their needs
• Delivering excellent customer service
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Using different communication channels
• Handling challenging customers and situations
• Problem-solving
• Understanding products and services
• Customer experience
• Working effectively within a team
• Equality, diversity and professionalism
• Understanding your organisation and your role within it

You will receive ongoing support throughout the apprenticeship while putting what you learn into practice within your day-to-day role.

What’s On Offer?

• £8.00 per hour
• Monday to Friday working
• Full training and ongoing support
• Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner qualification
• Valuable office and customer service experience
• The opportunity to develop confidence and professional skills
• Experience working across telephone, email and Live Chat
• Potential for future progression within the business

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to get their foot in the door, gain experience and build a long-term career within customer service.