One of our Vapes & Tobacco apprentices at Hammersmith & Fulham has recently been involved in a large-scale, multi-agency enforcement operation, working alongside Trading Standards, Police, and Immigration Officers. The operation resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit and unsafe goods, including counterfeit tobacco, unlicensed vapes, stolen alcohol, and unlicensed medicines, and ultimately led to a closure notice being served on the premises.
This operation has now been featured positively in the local news, highlighting the impact of Trading Standards enforcement and the importance of partnership working:
"This operation is a great example of the Met Police and H&F Council working together to close a business that has traded illegally in the borough for too long. We are working to make H&F a stronger, safer and kinder borough."
Doug Love, senior officer for Hammersmith & Fulham Council Trading Standards
What makes this particularly encouraging is how strongly this work aligns with the apprenticeship programme, applying learning around investigatory practice, evidence handling, enforcement decision-making, safeguarding, and public protection in a real-world, high-impact context.
It’s a brilliant example of:
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Apprentices developing confidence and professional judgement early on
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Learning being applied directly to complex operational work
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The real, visible impact of Trading Standards on local communities
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A huge well done to the apprentice involved and to the wider team supporting his development.
Read the full article.
