International Trade Administrator Apprentice

Summary

This role, reporting to the International Trade Executive, will provide essential administrative support to the International Trade Team at the Devon Chamber of Commerce. It's a full-time position and offers a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to kick-start their career.

Wage

£13,741 to £22,222.20, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Working hours per day: 7 hours Working week pattern: (Monday-Friday)

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 18 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

As an International Trade Administrator, you’ll play a key role in the smooth delivery of our international trade services across Devon and Cornwall. Working as part of a small, dedicated team, you’ll be responsible for processing export documentation, supporting exporters with guidance, and helping to deliver a consistently high standard of service. You’ll also help coordinate training programmes accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce and provide administrative support across the team.

This role requires someone who can work independently within a small team, manage tasks accurately and efficiently as well as maintain strong communication skills - both written and verbal.

If you have a keen interest in global trade, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and have a sharp eye for detail, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Process export documentation in line with regulations and standards
Respond to queries from exporters via phone and email
Support the administration of international trade training courses and events
Maintain accurate records and databases
Ensure excellent customer service at all times

We’re looking for a motivated self-starter who takes pride in delivering excellent customer service and meeting tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to stay organised and focused in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.You’ll need competency in basic IT skills, particularly in Excel and Outlook, and a confident approach to prioritising tasks. This is a varied and engaging role, and you’ll be trusted to handle sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and diplomacy.

Full training on export documentation will be provided through the British Chambers of Commerce.

Where you'll work

Unit 5
Derriford Business Park
Derriford
Plymouth
PL6 5QZ

Training

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

College or training organisation

SOUTH WEST ASSOCIATION OF TRAINING PROVIDERS LIMITED

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

Apprenticeship Training Provided by Assessor at Swatpro, every 4 weeks.

In house training for the job role provided by employer.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade A-C/ 4-9)
Maths (grade A-C/ 4-9)

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

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

You will need to be able to commute to the office, and on occasion, you may be asked to assist with Chamber events, which may take place outside of regular working hours.

About this company

Devon Chamber is much more than networking. It’s a place designed to support your business, no matter where you are in Devon. While you’re working hard, we’re lobbying for you in Westminster, designing unmissable, high-calibre events and connecting you to people that will take you to the next level. We’re the only accredited Chamber in Devon, that means we have an executive team employed to support you when you need it most. Today, we incorporate the historic Chambers of Exeter and Plymouth, as well as partnering with business organisations in towns across the county. Together we are united in a vision for better, more inclusive business for all, that stands for people, planet and purpose.

https://devonchamber.co.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

Upon completing the apprenticeship, the expected progression would be to transition into a permanent International Trade administrative position within the team, with opportunities to develop and progress in other areas of the Chamber as needed.

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