Business Administration Apprentice

Summary

SGS Ltd, the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services, is seeking an Apprentice to join their professional team. This opportunity offers a dynamic introduction to business operations, where you’ll gain hands-on experience.

Wage

£17,017 a year

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Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday. Typically Monday - Thursday, 6.30am to 3.30pm, and Friday,6.30am to 11.00am. 38.5 hours a week.

38 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Friday 1 August 2025

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

SGS Ltd, the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services, is seeking a Business Administration Apprentice to join their professional team. This opportunity offers a dynamic introduction to business operations, where you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting departments with administrative tasks, document management, customer service, and internal coordination.

It’s an excellent role for someone organised, enthusiastic, and eager to develop a career within a global company committed to quality, integrity, and innovation.

As a Business Administration Apprentice, you will support various departments, helping to ensure the smooth operation of business functions while learning key administrative processes. This role is ideal for someone who is organised, eager to learn, and ready to contribute to a fast-paced work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with general administrative tasks, including filing, data entry, and document management.
Handle customer inquiries via email and phone, providing professional and efficient responses.
Support procurement and supply chain operations by processing orders and maintaining records.
Prepare reports, and business documents using software such as Microsoft Office.
General Housekeeping and knowledge of site specific H&S
Maintain accurate and up-to-date databases, ensuring compliance with company policies.
Assist in financial administration, such as invoice processing
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying more efficient business processes.

Where you'll work

2 Martin Close
Blenheim Industrial Estate
Bulwell
NG6 8UW

Training

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

College or training organisation

NOTTINGHAM COLLEGE

Your 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.

Your training plan

Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard:

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0070-v1-0

Functional Skills level 1 / 2

Please click on the link above for more information regarding End Point Assessment.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4 or equivalent)
Mathematics (grade 4 or equivalent)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Administrative skills
Team working

About this company

SGS are the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognised as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world. In the UK we have nearly 2,000 employees serving a range of clients across a diverse number of industries.

After this apprenticeship

Potential for a permanent role within the company upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

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