Apprentice to Professional
Alex Rowe - Senior Intelligence Officer
I have always lived on the coastline in Devon so I was
seeking a flexible job that would allow me to have a career in Exeter whilst
still living in a more rural area, enjoying the countryside and beaches. Devon
County Council’s flexible working policies and numerous office bases seemed
like the perfect match.
I began my career in the Trading Standards Service team
as an apprentice in 2010. As part of my apprenticeship I studied towards an NVQ
Level 2 and 3 in Business Administration whilst at the same time gaining
experience in the different areas that Trading Standards had to offer. The
support given to me by the apprenticeship team and my manager allowed me to
successfully complete my NVQ, grow in confidence and establish myself as a
valued member of the Trading Standards Service. My varied role included working
on Petroleum and Explosive licencing, maintaining databases and visiting and
inspecting local businesses.
Before my 2 year apprenticeship ended I was employed
permanently as a Trading Standards Officer, and soon started to study towards
the Trading Standards professional qualifications whilst working in the
Compliance team. This role involved investigating complaints against
businesses, liaising with enforcement partners and advising businesses of their
legal responsibilities.
I worked in several different teams to gather the
required experience and decided on a career in the newly formed Intelligence
Unit. I am now a qualified Trading Standards Officer having completed my
Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards and was recently successful
in securing a new position as a Senior Intelligence Officer. My role is to
ensure the service is intelligence led, targeting resources at the issues
causing the highest consumer and business detriment.
Alex Rowe
Senior Intelligence Officer
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