Business Admin Apprentice

Burnley Borough Council

Burnley (BB11 2BY)

Closes in 23 days (Monday 31 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 7 August 2026

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Summary

To successfully complete NVQ level 3 in Business Administration and gain practical experience in clerical and administration skills within an office environment.

• Wage:

  £15,080 to £23,958.35, depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Apprentices will be paid the national minimum wage for their age

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Flexi-Time - Within needs of service. Hours will be agreed once an offer has been made.

  36 hours 15 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 21 September 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 6 months

• Positions available:

  1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To be accountable to a supervisor but organise own work to complete tasks on time following agreed instructions and procedures, ensuring that deadlines are met and work time is used effectively.
• To respond to customer enquiries by email and telephone for example taking bookings and providing standard verbal and written responses to the required standard.
• To carry out a range of administrative and clerical duties which could include:
  • undertaking standard interrogation and interpretation of data for use by others
  • creating and formatting documents, for example spreadsheets, simple databases, mail merge documents and powerpoint presentations
  • responsibility for effective file management including storage, retrieval and location
  • entering data to established systems, checking for accuracy and logic, identifying errors and ensuring output is to the required standard, enabling accurate and timely reports to be run
  • receiving and balancing financial transactions and producing reports in line with agreed procedures and processes
  • organising meetings and taking minutes ensuring these are accurate with agreed actions
  • providing customers with standard information in response to internal and external enquiries, face to face, by letter, email or via other electronic systems
  • cash handling, receipting cheques and recording such transactions in line with agreed procedures and processes
  • being responsible for stock control and requesting supplies, raising orders for limited amounts
• To gather evidence and prepare for submission a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that the competence, performance, knowledge and other criteria have been met for NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration.
• To attend regular progress review meetings for guidance, encouragement and support and be involved in the evaluation of the apprentice scheme to inform its future development.
• To be flexible, in relation to approach to work commitments and tasks.

Health & Safety
Employees are required to work with their employer to ensure a working environment which is safe and without risks to the health, safety and welfare of employees, and others who may be affected, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, associated regulations and the Corporate Health and Safety Policy.

FOOTNOTE

This Job Description summarises the major responsibilities of the post.  It is not intended to exclude other activities, nor future changes from the post holder’s responsibilities.

Where you'll work

Council Offices
Parker Lane
Burnley
BB11 2BY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

BURNLEY COLLEGE

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

The successful applicant will attend day release at Burnley College. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Administrative skills
• Team working

Other requirements

We kindly ask all applicants to complete their application independently and in their own words. This helps us assess your individual skills, experience and suitability for the role. Applications should not be generated generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Where we believe that responses do not represent an applicant's own work, the application may be deemed unsuccessful.

Burnley employees are expected to be role models the organisation’s TEAM values and behaviours which are: Together, Enterprising, Ambitious and Meeting Customer Needs. Our organisational leaders and managers are expected to strive to create a culture of openness and trust, where people are led and managed in line with TEAM values acting as role models for working collaboratively to drive efficiency and service improvements in order to deliver the Council’s vision and objectives.

About this employer

Burnley Borough Council is an award-winning local authority that is proud to invest in the development of its people. We are committed to helping employees build rewarding careers through structured learning and development opportunities, tailored support and ongoing professional growth. As part of our team, you will be supported by an experienced workplace mentor and have the opportunity to gain experience across a range of service areas, developing a broad understanding of local government and the services we provide to our community. This role offers excellent opportunities for future career progression, including the potential to move into specialist areas and continue your professional development through further qualifications and training. If you are motivated, eager to learn and looking to build a long-term career, Burnley Borough Council can provide the support and opportunities to help you succeed.

https://burnley.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Opportunities may be available for permanent employment or a degree level apprenticeship on completion of the apprenticeship. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BURNLEY COLLEGE

Themis

Themis@burnley.ac.uk

01282 733005

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000047028.

Apply now

Closes in 23 days (Monday 31 August 2026 at 11:59pm)