Summary
We are seeking a proactive, articulate, and well-organised Apprentice Customer Service & Operations Assistant to join our front-line team. This role bridges client relations, administration, and workshop coordination—ensuring an exceptional, seamless customer journey from initial consultation through to final sign-off.
What you will do at work
Key Responsibilities
- Client Liaison & Communication: Serve as the professional first point of contact for client enquiries via inbound telephone calls, email, and social media channels. Maintain clear, prompt, and courteous correspondence at all times.
- Operational Administration: Support core administrative workflows, including CRM data entry, supplier purchase orders, client schedule updates, and organised filing.
- Production & Quality Control Support: Learn the operational documentation required for custom manufacturing, assisting with the tracking of job sheets, material allocation, and quality-control verification.
- Showroom & Event Representation: Assist in welcoming clients on-site and provide support during company showcases and open days.
- Interdepartmental Coordination: Collaborate closely with our design, workshop, and fitting teams to ensure accurate messaging and realistic delivery timelines for our clients.
Technical Development & Training Scope
In addition to completing an accredited apprenticeship qualification in Customer Service, this role offers structured exposure to the commercial design and manufacturing sector, including:
- Hands-on introduction to technical cabinetry surveying.
- Stock control, material management, and hardware ordering processes.
- Mentorship in CAD drawings as part of our surveying team.
Skills & Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- Eagerness to Learn: A genuine enthusiasm for developing new technical and administrative capabilities within a bespoke manufacturing environment (non-negotiable).
- Communication & Professionalism: Confident, polite verbal communication and accurate written English; comfortable speaking with residential clients, architects, and suppliers.
- Organisation & Rigour: Strong attention to detail, systematic record-keeping, and the discipline to follow structured processes.
- Digital Literacy: Practical working knowledge of everyday office platforms and standard communication channels.
- Education: GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Mathematics (or equivalent/functional skills equivalent).
Desirable Criteria:
- Design & CAD Familiarity: Prior exposure to, or basic working knowledge of, design principles, sketch software, or 2D/3D CAD programmes is advantageous, though full training will be provided to candidates demonstrating the right aptitude and commitment.
Training
You will receive in-house training at your workplace and be allocated a dedicated assessor who will visit you on-site to provide guidance and support throughout your apprenticeship.
Requirements and skills
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Presentation skills
- Logical
- Initiative
Qualifications
- GCSE English & Maths (9-4 / C) – essential
About this employer
At DTR Customs, we make high-end, bespoke fitted furniture and cabinetry that’s built to last. We’re makers at heart. Our workshop brings together hands-on bench joinery with precision CAD drawings, 100% bespoke manufacturing, and in house installations across the East Midlands.
We care about the details that most people never see—tight tolerances, smart engineering, and a proper finish. Working with us means being part of a small team that takes genuine pride in what rolls out the door, where your craft and problem-solving skills actually count.
After this apprenticeship
DTR Customs is a growing company so future opportunities may open up to the right candidate after apprenticeship.
Sales training could be developed once apprenticeship is completed.
Things to consider
- Successful candidate must drive and have access to their own vehicle.
- The use of ladders and surveying equipment for measuring will be required.
- Attention to detail is imperative as is organisational skills.