Trainee Programme

Regulatory Enforcement Trainee Programme – Department for Business and Trade

Employer: Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
Salary: £31,778–£37,486 per year
Locations: Birmingham or Teddington
Contract: Permanent
Job Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
Job Type: Operational Delivery
Working Pattern: Full-time, part-time, flexible working or job share
Number of Vacancies: 4
Closing Date: 29 October 2026 at 11:55 pm
Reference Number: 483880

Visa Sponsorship: Not available. The employer explicitly states that it will not sponsor a visa or issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.

About the Role

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), part of the Department for Business and Trade, is recruiting four Regulatory Enforcement Trainees to join its team in Birmingham or Teddington.

OPSS works to protect people and places from harm caused by unsafe products. It also helps businesses understand and comply with relevant regulations, supporting consumer confidence and responsible business practices.

This opportunity is suitable for school leavers, university graduates and people looking to change careers. Previous office experience is not required.

Successful applicants will rotate across four different teams, gaining practical experience in regulatory work while studying for a Level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer apprenticeship.

Salary and Benefits

• National salary: £31,778–£33,486 per year.
• London salary: £35,778–£37,486 per year.
• Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Training and continuing professional development.
• Flexible working options.
• Inclusive working environment.

New entrants are normally appointed at the minimum of the relevant salary band.

Key Responsibilities

As a Regulatory Enforcement Trainee, your responsibilities will include:

• Advising businesses on relevant regulations and directing them to appropriate guidance.
• Reviewing products, businesses and information to assess compliance and identify potential risks.
• Supporting investigations and enforcement cases by gathering and analysing information.
• Maintaining accurate records and helping progress cases in line with established procedures.
• Building working relationships with businesses, regulators and partner organisations.
• Researching and interpreting information from different sources.
• Preparing clear reports and recommendations to support decisions.
• Working with colleagues across OPSS to deliver effective regulatory outcomes.
• Developing your regulatory knowledge and practical skills through training and professional development.

Training and Apprenticeship

Training is provided as part of the programme.

Successful candidates will undertake a Level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer apprenticeship, which is described in the advert as equivalent to the first year of a university degree.

The programme combines employment with structured learning, practical experience and continuing professional development. Trainees will rotate across four teams to develop the knowledge and skills needed for a career in regulatory enforcement.

This opportunity is designed for people at the beginning of their careers as well as experienced professionals seeking a new direction.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate the following skills and attributes:

• Interest in regulation: A genuine interest in building a career in regulatory work and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Analytical skills: The ability to understand complex information, including legislation and technical details.
• Communication: Confidence when speaking to others, handling challenging conversations and building relationships.
• Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively and share knowledge with colleagues.
• Organisation: The ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain attention to detail.
• Initiative: The ability to follow procedures while identifying practical solutions.
• Digital skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn other digital tools.
• Driving licence: A full driving licence or actively working towards obtaining one.
• Training commitment: Willingness to complete the training required to develop as a regulator.
• Attendance and travel: Willingness to meet the programme’s office attendance and travel requirements.

Candidates should expect to attend the office for approximately 60% of their working time. Off-site visits will also be required.

Previous office experience is not required.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for the Level 4 apprenticeship. These include:

• Being aged 16 or over.
• Not being in full-time education.
• Not receiving funding for another learning programme, such as another apprenticeship or a degree funded through a student loan.
• Meeting the applicable UK residency or apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.
• Not already holding, or having substantially studied towards, a qualification in regulatory compliance or a similar subject at the same or a higher level.

Applicants who already hold a similar qualification may not qualify for this apprenticeship. Check the employer’s careers website for other opportunities if this applies to you.

Important: Meeting the apprenticeship eligibility requirements is separate from meeting the Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements.

Office Locations

The role is available at either of the following locations:

• Birmingham
• Teddington

When selecting Teddington as your preferred location in the application system, you may need to select Twickenham, as this is the location option displayed for the Teddington office.

The programme involves office attendance and off-site visits, so applicants should consider the travel requirements before applying.

Virtual Open Evening

The employer plans to hold a virtual open evening for people interested in the programme.

Date: 20 October 2026
Time: 4:30 pm–6:00 pm

The session is intended to explain the role and what candidates can expect if appointed.

Registration: https://department.events/retopenevening

Application and Selection Process

Applications will be assessed using the Civil Service Success Profiles framework, considering behaviours, strengths and experience.

Stage 1: Online application

Applicants must submit:

• CV: No more than two A4 pages, covering career history, responsibilities and achievements relevant to the essential criteria. Any employment gaps within the previous two years should be explained.
• Personal statement: Up to 750 words explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the essential criteria, together with your motivation for pursuing a career in regulation.

If applications are high in number, the employer may conduct an initial sift based on the personal statement alone.

Stage 2: Online Civil Service tests

After submitting the first stage of the application, candidates will be invited to complete:

• Civil Service Verbal Test.
• Civil Service Numerical Test.
• Civil Service Judgement Test.

Candidates are advised to complete the tests as soon as possible, ideally within 24–48 hours of receiving the invitation.

The online test deadline is 29 October 2026 at 11:55 pm. Failure to complete the tests before the deadline will result in the application being withdrawn.

Stage 3: Assessment centre

Candidates who pass the initial sift will be invited to an assessment centre at the Birmingham office. This is expected to take place approximately three weeks after the sift is completed.

Stage 4: Interview

Successful assessment-centre candidates will be invited to an in-person interview at the Birmingham office, expected to take place approximately two weeks after the assessment centre.

Interviews are generally virtual where specified in the recruitment arrangements, although this campaign also describes the final interview as an in-person stage. Follow the instructions in your invitation.

The behaviours being assessed are:

• Making Effective Decisions.
• Communicating and Influencing.
• Working Together.
• Delivering at Pace.

Candidates should check their emails regularly for updates.

Application Deadline

The closing date for the Regulatory Enforcement Trainee Programme is 29 October 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Applicants should allow sufficient time to complete the application and all required online tests.

Visa Sponsorship Information

This vacancy does not offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

The employer explicitly states that it will not sponsor visas or issue Certificates of Sponsorship. Applicants who require employer sponsorship to work in the UK should take this restriction into account before applying.

The vacancy is also subject to Civil Service nationality requirements and separate apprenticeship eligibility rules. Being eligible for the apprenticeship does not automatically mean you are eligible for Civil Service employment.

How to Apply

Read the full job advert and submit your application through the official Civil Service Jobs website.

Original Vacancy and Application Link:
https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=2016820

Employer: Department for Business and Trade
Job Title: Regulatory Enforcement Trainee Programme
Reference: 483880
Closing Date: 29 October 2026

Contact Information

Job contact: Erin Kehoe
Email: OPSS.recruitment@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Recruitment team:
dbtrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk