Business Rates Modern Apprentice Review
at Sandwell Council
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Customer Service
Oldbury, West Midlands
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Business Rates Modern Apprentice within Revenues and Benefits I use the Council's computerised systems to provide high quality service by providing guidance, advice and information to ratepayers. I assist customers by applying appropriate reliefs , exemptions and arrangements where appropriate. I also contribute to maintaining up to date knowledge documentation, processes, working practices and standards.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am enjoying the apprenticeship as I am gaining hands on experience whilst completing my customer service qualification. I am also gaining more confidence within the department I am working within every day.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Attention to detail – identifying errors or missing information when receiving feedback from supervisors/technical officers about the amendments made to the accounts I have dealt with.
Time management – my overall work ethic has improved greatly since the beginning such as my decision making and prioritisation of certain tasks that have more urgency.
Communication – day to day with colleagues professionally and with customers to obtain legal documentation.
Time management – my overall work ethic has improved greatly since the beginning such as my decision making and prioritisation of certain tasks that have more urgency.
Communication – day to day with colleagues professionally and with customers to obtain legal documentation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Sandwell Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The apprenticeship allows you to earn a salary while gaining hands-on work experience and support you career growth. There are many sectors available to work in such as revenues and benefits, housing and HR services.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Sandwell Council?
Sandwell Council are very supportive as they help guide there apprentices towards securing permanent roles. Sandwell Council's values of being inclusive, accountable, customer focused, one team and ambitious apply to customers and employees making it a great place to work.
