Vape & Tobacco Officer Review
at Lancashire County Council
Level 4/5 Apprenticeship
Government
Lancashire
Review Submitted: August 2026
Overall Rating
4 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
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
Key Responsibilities
Enforcement of tobacco and vape legislation
Investigate illegal sales of tobacco and vaping products.
Ensure retailers comply with age-restriction laws.
Conduct test purchasing operations.
Tackling illicit tobacco and vapes
Identify and seize counterfeit, smuggled, or non-compliant products.
Work with HMRC, Border Force, Police, Trading Standards, and other partners.
Retailer compliance and education
Advise businesses on legal requirements.
Provide guidance on product standards, labelling, and advertising restrictions.
Inspections and investigations
Visit retail premises, storage facilities, and markets.
Gather evidence and prepare prosecution files where necessary.
Intelligence gathering
Develop intelligence on illegal supply chains.
Analyse complaints, reports, and enforcement data.
Public protection
Reduce youth access to tobacco and vaping products.
Support public health objectives and smoking cessation initiatives.
Enforcement of tobacco and vape legislation
Investigate illegal sales of tobacco and vaping products.
Ensure retailers comply with age-restriction laws.
Conduct test purchasing operations.
Tackling illicit tobacco and vapes
Identify and seize counterfeit, smuggled, or non-compliant products.
Work with HMRC, Border Force, Police, Trading Standards, and other partners.
Retailer compliance and education
Advise businesses on legal requirements.
Provide guidance on product standards, labelling, and advertising restrictions.
Inspections and investigations
Visit retail premises, storage facilities, and markets.
Gather evidence and prepare prosecution files where necessary.
Intelligence gathering
Develop intelligence on illegal supply chains.
Analyse complaints, reports, and enforcement data.
Public protection
Reduce youth access to tobacco and vaping products.
Support public health objectives and smoking cessation initiatives.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Honestly, the support I have received from LCC has been excellent and has provided me with valuable opportunities to broaden my knowledge and experience by working alongside different teams within the service. I have also been able to seek advice and guidance from colleagues who have completed, or are currently undertaking, apprenticeships, as well as from the service's apprenticeship liaison officer.
Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the support I have received from my tutor at CSA. In my experience, the level of guidance and engagement provided throughout the apprenticeship has fallen short of my expectations, which has negatively impacted my overall experience and enjoyment of the programme.
Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the support I have received from my tutor at CSA. In my experience, the level of guidance and engagement provided throughout the apprenticeship has fallen short of my expectations, which has negatively impacted my overall experience and enjoyment of the programme.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have significantly improved my professional skills and knowledge. The opportunity to work with different teams has enhanced my understanding of enforcement, investigations, partnership working, and regulatory compliance. I have also developed greater confidence in communicating with businesses, gathering intelligence, and managing workloads effectively. These experiences have broadened my skill set and better equipped me to carry out my role as a Tobacco & Vape Officer.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Copilot said:
Overall, the programme has been reasonably well organised and structured, with clear objectives and milestones to work towards. The support and opportunities provided by LCC have helped ensure I remain engaged and able to apply my learning in a practical work environment. While there have been some challenges regarding the level of support from the training provider, the apprenticeship has still provided a structured framework for developing my knowledge, skills, and behaviours within my role.
Overall, the programme has been reasonably well organised and structured, with clear objectives and milestones to work towards. The support and opportunities provided by LCC have helped ensure I remain engaged and able to apply my learning in a practical work environment. While there have been some challenges regarding the level of support from the training provider, the apprenticeship has still provided a structured framework for developing my knowledge, skills, and behaviours within my role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Copilot said:
I receive a high level of support from my employer, both in relation to my day-to-day role and my apprenticeship. Managers and colleagues are approachable and willing to provide guidance whenever needed, and I have been given opportunities to work with different teams to broaden my knowledge and experience. The organisation has been supportive of my development, allowing me the time and resources required to complete apprenticeship work while continuing to develop my skills and confidence in my role.
I receive a high level of support from my employer, both in relation to my day-to-day role and my apprenticeship. Managers and colleagues are approachable and willing to provide guidance whenever needed, and I have been given opportunities to work with different teams to broaden my knowledge and experience. The organisation has been supportive of my development, allowing me the time and resources required to complete apprenticeship work while continuing to develop my skills and confidence in my role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Copilot said:
I receive some support from my training provider when working towards my qualification; however, the level of support has not always met my expectations. Whilst guidance and reviews have been provided throughout the apprenticeship, there have been occasions where communication and tutor engagement could have been more consistent. As a result, I have often relied on support from my employer and colleagues to help me progress and stay on track with my apprenticeship requirements. Overall, I feel the support from my employer has been stronger than that provided by the training provider.
I receive some support from my training provider when working towards my qualification; however, the level of support has not always met my expectations. Whilst guidance and reviews have been provided throughout the apprenticeship, there have been occasions where communication and tutor engagement could have been more consistent. As a result, I have often relied on support from my employer and colleagues to help me progress and stay on track with my apprenticeship requirements. Overall, I feel the support from my employer has been stronger than that provided by the training provider.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Copilot said:
The qualification has helped to improve my understanding of legislation, regulatory practices, and professional standards relevant to my role. It has provided a framework for developing key knowledge, skills, and behaviours, which I have been able to apply in the workplace. However, much of my practical learning and development has come from on-the-job experience, support from colleagues, and opportunities provided by LCC. While the qualification has contributed to my professional development, I feel its value has been greatest when combined with the practical experience gained through my role as a Tobacco & Vape Officer.
The qualification has helped to improve my understanding of legislation, regulatory practices, and professional standards relevant to my role. It has provided a framework for developing key knowledge, skills, and behaviours, which I have been able to apply in the workplace. However, much of my practical learning and development has come from on-the-job experience, support from colleagues, and opportunities provided by LCC. While the qualification has contributed to my professional development, I feel its value has been greatest when combined with the practical experience gained through my role as a Tobacco & Vape Officer.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Lancashire County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Copilot said:
Yes, I would recommend Lancashire County Council to a friend. It offers a wide range of services that make a positive difference to residents and provides opportunities to work on meaningful projects that benefit local communities. I have found the organisation to be supportive, with dedicated colleagues, a strong public service ethos, and a commitment to helping staff develop their skills and experience. As with any large organisation, there are areas that could be improved, but overall it is a rewarding place to work and contribute to improving outcomes for Lancashire residents.
Yes, I would recommend Lancashire County Council to a friend. It offers a wide range of services that make a positive difference to residents and provides opportunities to work on meaningful projects that benefit local communities. I have found the organisation to be supportive, with dedicated colleagues, a strong public service ethos, and a commitment to helping staff develop their skills and experience. As with any large organisation, there are areas that could be improved, but overall it is a rewarding place to work and contribute to improving outcomes for Lancashire residents.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Lancashire County Council?
My advice would be to take time to understand the role and how it contributes to Lancashire County Council's wider objectives. In the application, provide clear examples that demonstrate your skills, experience, and values, and tailor these to the person specification. During the interview, be prepared to discuss real-life situations where you have solved problems, worked collaboratively, and delivered positive outcomes. Showing a genuine commitment to public service and improving outcomes for Lancashire residents will help your application stand out.
