Business Administration L3 Apprenticeship

Summary

Southern Cranes and Access Ltd, is looking for an Apprentice Operational Support Administrator, working at the heart of a busy team, in a dynamic environment where their contributions will really matter and valuable experience gained. This role will be combined with studying to achieve a Business Administration Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Wage

£15,704 a year

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Annual

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

40 hours per week – Monday to Friday – 8am-5.30pm with one hour for lunch and one day study.

40 hours a week

Start date

Friday 26 September 2025

Duration

1 year 9 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

Working closely with the Operations Manager and the Hire Desk Staff, along with interaction with the Operational Director, this role is all about keeping things running smoothly, providing vital administrative and clerical support, and maintaining a good relationship with customers, both internal and external to the business. The ideal candidate will be confident, assertive and resilient. They will be proficient with Microsoft Office, driven, flexible and eager to learn. A can-do attitude is a must for this role!

Key Responsibilities -

Support our Company Directors with various administrative tasks and learn from industry pros
Engage with payroll, accounts, sales, maintenance, transport, and more to resolve operational issues
Collaborate with the Hire Desk Team to keep operations seamless
Assist with project set-ups and utilise our CRS System
Plan travel accommodations and assist with purchase orders
Be the friendly voice of our company by answering calls and directing them to the right departments, or taking messages when needed
Help with raising purchase orders for equipment or services
Stay organised by handling filing and photocopying duties
Dive into other general office tasks that keep our workplace running

Southern Cranes and Access Ltd maintains the high standards that keep our team thriving. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, learn from experienced pros, and make a real impact.

Where you'll work

Pollards Way, Southwater,
--
Horsham
West Sussex
RH13 9AQ

Training

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

College or training organisation

CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP

Your training course

Business administrator (level 3)

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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

Comprehensive Training: Gain the skills you need to excel and advance. Mentorship Opportunities: Learn from seasoned professionals. Business Administrator L3 Apprenticeship

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths (grade 9-4)
English (grade 9-4)

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

Confident
Assertive
Resilient
Organised
excellent prioritisation
Driven in nature
Flexible in approach
Eager to learn
Strong communicator
Proficient in MS Office
Health and safety conscious
Self-motivated
Target Oriented
Reliable
Punctual
Team Player

Other requirements

Location is on the A24 southbound and is not serviced by public transport so the ability to travel to work by car will be essential -Day release would be at Crawley College. -This is a 21-month apprenticeship including end end-point assessment. -Applicants MUST BE resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and have work authorisation for the UK. Applicants WILL NOT BE eligible to apply if they have already achieved a qualification which is equal to or higher than the apprenticeship standard on offer. Applicants MUST BE residents in the local area to the apprenticeship opportunity, or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study. Applicants MUST BE committed to the learning and stay to the end of the apprenticeship.

About this company

Southern Cranes & Access Ltd is a family-run business specialising in mobile crane and tower crane hire. Since 1997, they have been at the forefront of innovation with spider cranes, telehandlers, and powered access solutions. Serving industries like TV and film, rail, oil and gas, and construction, we operate across Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, and London, delivering safe and reliable service every time.

After this apprenticeship

The intention is to offer a permanent role once the candidate has successfully completed their training.

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