Directorate Support Officer - level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship

Department for Education

Darlington, Greater Manchester, London, Nottingham, Sheffield

Closes in 12 days (Sunday 21 September 2025)

Posted on 8 September 2025

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Summary

We collaborate with policy and delivery partners across DfE, government departments, local authorities, and service providers in the public, voluntary, and private sectors. The Support Officer role will be critical in supporting our senior leaders in delivering our mission, and we will support your development through our numerous opportunities.

• Wage:

  £31,479 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Flexible working, full-time, job share, part-time.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 3 November 2025

• Duration:

  1 year 6 months

• Positions available:

  3

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 a Directorate Support Officer, responsibilities will include:

• Inbox management: Managing information flow on a day-to-day basis, handling sensitive information in a confidential manner and identifying priority and urgent communication requiring action. Maintain an effective filing and archiving system within the mailbox, conducting information searches when commissioned and responding to enquiries and requests.
• Diary management: Organise meetings as requested and prioritising diary appointments when there are conflicting appointments.
• Secretariat function: Preparing agendas, commissioning papers and attending meetings to take minutes and record actions as required. Ensuring the Senior Leader is prepared in advance for all meetings (has the paperwork they need).
• Organise travel and accommodation bookings which adhere to departmental policies. Inputting expense claims as required.
• Collaboration and innovation: Work with your team to support the maintenance and improvement of internal procedures and systems, identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

• Bishopsgate House, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QE
• Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 2WD
• Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT
• 6 Cumberland Place, Nottingham, NG1 6HJ
• 125 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 2FJ

Training

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

Training provider

GINGER NUT MEDIA LIMITED

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

In the workplace.

More training information

This role includes completion of the Business Administrator Apprenticeship (Level 3). Please check the eligibility requirements below using the apprenticeship standard: Business administrator / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

• You must have lived in the UK for 3 years prior to apprenticeship start date and not be undertaking another apprenticeship at the same time.
• You must not already have a substantial amount of the skills and knowledge that is covered in the contents of the apprenticeship standard.
• You must not have already worked in a similar role, or your previous learning, and/or work experience covers the contents (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours) of the apprenticeship standard.
• Please do not apply if:
• You already have all the skills and knowledge that is covered in the contents of the apprenticeship standard.
• You have already worked in a similar role, or your previous learning, and/or work experience covers the contents (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours) of the apprenticeship standard.
• You have a degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration.

Requirements

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
• Organisation skills
• Administrative skills

About this employer

The Department for Education is responsible for education, children’s services, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England, and equalities. As a department we are striving for world-class education, training and care for everyone whatever their background.

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

• Ongoing

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Department for Education

Beth Marinho

elizabeth.marinho@education.gov.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000340879.

Apply now

Closes in 12 days (Sunday 21 September 2025)

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