Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

We are seeking candidates with good literacy, numeracy and IT skills, who are motivated to provide high quality administrative services while gaining the skills and experience to become a business administration professional. Administrative Officers provide office administration and support on transactions processing, projects, budgets etc.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 09 Oct 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £25,948.00

    London based – The total package for this role at AO is £25,948 per annum (non-negotiable). This figure includes a non-pensionable, non-consolidated Location Allowance of £2,000.

  • Working week

    This role is full time, 42 hours gross per week including study time and a daily lunch break of one hour. Days and times to be confirmed. Opportunities for flexible working. However, some roles require candidates to be based in the office full time.

    Total hours per week: 42

    (the hours are based on the candidate being over 18)

  • Expected duration

    16 Months

  • Possible start date

    01 Jan 2024

  • Date posted

    12 Sep 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000197887

  • Positions

    9 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

You will be based in our office in King Charles Street London. The positions are Home Civil Service roles providing junior administrative support to FCDO departments while undertaking the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship. We are not recruiting for a specific departmental vacancy. Instead, we will place you into your first role depending on business need. We will aim to take your skills and experience into account.

Main Purpose of Job

Administrative Officers (AO) provide professional office administration and support on transactions processing, projects, budgets, customer services functions, and internal and external communications. Many roles are customer-focus oriented.

FCDO Departments will configure the roles to meet specific business needs but they will typically include:

  • Professional Office Administration/Support: Creating and maintaining electronic filing systems; databases and distribution lists; dealing with telephone and email enquiries; organising training programmes, meetings, events, travel arrangements and taking notes in meetings; maintaining stationery supplies; a corporate role such as fire warden or first aider, for which training will be provided.
  • Project Management Support: Monitoring progress against objectives; ensuring projects remains on schedule; anticipating and managing risks; maintaining accurate records.
  • Budget Management: Budget monitoring, requisitioning and raising purchase orders, and manipulation of data using spreadsheets; assisting with budget forecasting; understanding commercial and procurement policies.
  • Transactions and Receipts Processing: Checking invoices and identifying mismatches to ensure accuracy and efficiency in compliance with procedures; reconciling and investigating invoice issues with suppliers about services provided to FCDO.
  • Public Facing Services: Directly supporting British nationals and others by quickly and accurately confirming that UK public documents have genuine signatures and seals to allow them to conduct their business abroad.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

The apprenticeship offers you a structured learning journey over 16 months and leads to a Level 3 Certificate in Business Administration that equates to two 'A' levels. 

It will consist of on the job learning in your FCDO role and apprenticeship training. 

You will spend a minimum of 20% of your paid hours on off-the-job apprenticeship-related training and assignments. 

You will learn topics such as effective communication and interpersonal skills in business, stakeholder management and will develop presentation skills too. 

Throughout the programme, you will have ongoing support from your Apprenticeship Trainer and your FCDO Line Manager. We will also aim to allocate you a mentor who can offer you additional guidance.

The training provider will be appointed by the start date for these positions

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

This is a fixed term appointment for 23 months, the first 16 months will be the apprenticeship. Note: Some conversions to permanency may be possible on successful completion of this apprenticeship, subject to wider resourcing considerations. Permanency is not guaranteed.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Literacy skills, Interpersonal skills, Microsoft 365 – Outlook, Excel, Windows 10 and MS Teams, Understand customers’ needs, Maintain a quality service

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent 5 which include English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) Essential

Things to consider

You will be eligible only if: You are a British citizen or resided in the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the last 3 consecutive years. Not open to applicants who have a level 3 or higher qualification in business administration. Security Check (SC) clearance. Eligibility checks as part of the FCDO’s pre-employment checks.

About the employer

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office promotes the UK’s interests overseas and supports our citizens and businesses around the globe. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office/about/recruitment

Employer

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Address

King Charles Street

London

SW1A 2AB

Contact

Government Recruitment Service

fcdorecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

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Training

Training provider

To be confirmed

Apprenticeship standard

Business administrator

Level 3 (A level)

Employer's Application Instructions

Title on Civil Service Jobs AO Business Administrative Apprentices. Location London. Reference number 308646.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 09 Oct 2023