PA Services Administration Apprenticeship (Darlington Borough Council)
darlington borough council
Darlington (DL1 5QT)
Closes in 16 days (Sunday 31 August 2025)
Posted on 15 August 2025
Contents
Summary
Darlington Borough Council’s PA Services team is looking for a motivated Apprentice. This is a great chance to start a career in Personal Assistant and Admin Services. You’ll gain key skills, knowledge, and experience while building confidence and working towards your Apprenticeship qualification.
- Wage
-
£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5PM
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 8 September 2025
- Duration
-
1 year 3 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
Your weekly tasks could include:
-
Provide administrative support as required to the PA Network, including word processing, photocopying, scanning, filing and postal duties.
-
Provide a support service to departmental management teams, ensuring a friendly and responsive service to telephone enquiries, colleagues and visitors.
-
Arrange meetings as required and assist the PA Network to arrange events and activities organised and facilitated by the various teams.
-
Enter data into various systems across the Authority.
-
Undertake with complete discretion and in confidence tasks as required which may be of a sensitive and confidential nature.
-
Be an effective and flexible team member to ensure that requirements are met.
-
Ensure that you work in line with all the Council’s policies and procedures and ensure that you are aware of your obligations under these.
Where you'll work
Town Hall
Feethams
Darlington
DL1 5QT
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
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
You will be completing the Level 3 Business Administrator Advanced Apprenticeship Standard with Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills, Darlington.
The Business Administration Apprenticeship is designed to equip participants with the fundamentals required to work in any business environment. The programme can be delivered using a blend of on-line, anytime learning and expert-led classroom training covering core topics.
Throughout this Apprenticeship, participants will be supported by tutors who have worked in a business environment and have gained many years of experience and who can truly support you to develop the skills and knowledge required to work in a wide range of administrative roles.
More training information
Training will be provided to achieve the following qualifications:
Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard
Training will take place weekly, on a day release basis, at Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills training centre (DL1 5AJ). During the course you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to ensure these exceed the minimum requirements for the Business Administrator Level 3 apprenticeship standards.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4+/ C+)
- maths (grade 4+/ C+)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
Other requirements
You will be required to attend our training centre in Darlington (DL1 5AJ) and you will need to make your own way there for day release training. Travel to and from the employer, based at the Town Hall, Darlington DL1 5QT
About this employer
Darlington Borough Council are a forward-thinking local authority committed to making a positive impact across the community. As a unitary authority, the council delivers a wide range of services, from education and housing to social care and environmental management, offering diverse career paths and development opportunities. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment, professional growth through training and apprenticeships, and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the borough. The council values inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration, and works closely with regional partners through the Tees Valley Combined Authority to drive economic and social progress.
After this apprenticeship
Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to full-time employment and/ or further training.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
Graham Curry
graham.curry@darlington.gov.uk
07949845325
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000336672.
Apply now
Closes in 16 days (Sunday 31 August 2025)
Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login to apply.
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.