Business Support Apprentice
UNITED LEARNING TRUST
Nelson (BB9 0PR)
Closes in 6 days (Friday 3 October 2025)
Posted on 26 September 2025
Contents
Summary
We are seeking a motivated individual to join our school as a Business Support Apprentice. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. You will support day-to-day office functions, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
- Wage
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£14,722.50 to £23,809.50, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
United Learning apprenticeship rates of pay apply
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
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This role is working Monday - Friday, from 8.00am to 4.00pm.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
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Monday 27 October 2025
- Duration
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1 year 6 months
- Positions available
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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
To provide high-quality administrative support across the school, contributing to the smooth running of day-to-day operations. The role includes supporting whole school administration, site and facilities coordination, trips and events planning and health and safety compliance.
- Provide general administrative support including photocopying, filing, data entry, and handling correspondence.
- Log and track site-related jobs and maintenance requests with the PFI facilities team.
- Support the administration of school trips, including consent forms, transport bookings, and risk assessments.
- Maintain health and safety records, including accident logs, risk assessments, and compliance checks.
- Assist with maintaining accurate student and staff records using the school’s MIS system.
Where you'll work
Marsden Heights Community College
Edge End Lane
Nelson
BB9 0PR
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
UNITED CHURCH SCHOOLS TRUST
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
Apprentices complete a mix of on-the-job training and off-the-job learning in the workplace (a minimum of 6.5 hours per week). Training sessions are delivered online.
More training information
United Apprenticeships programmes are designed to cater to the diverse needs of the school community and empower school support staff. There are two key stages to the apprenticeship:
The Practical Period (On-Programme Learning):
This is the main learning phase of the apprenticeship, where apprentices develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for their role. They will complete a mix of workplace training, online learning, assignments, and practical tasks, all supported by their Programme Lead and workplace mentor.
Gateway and End-Point Assessment (EPA):
Once an apprentice has completed their training and is confident in their role, they go through “Gateway,” where their employer and Programme Lead confirm they are ready for the final assessment. The End-Point Assessment is a formal process where apprentices demonstrate what they’ve learned through a combination of assessment methods, depending on their apprenticeship programme.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade C/4)
- Maths (grade C/4)
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
Other requirements
You will be required to work across both school sites The John Roan School Westcombe Park Road London SE3 7QR AND The John Roan School Maze Hill London SE3 7UD Primarily based in Westcombe Park Road. Training allocated time will be spread across the week (M-F). Before applying please consider the following: Have you experience of working on a busy, vibrant reception desk? Do you have an understanding of safeguarding in relation to working with children?
About this employer
At Marsden Heights Community College, we believe that we are the one of the best secondary schools in the Pendle area. We believe this because of what we offer the students at our school: we have fantastic facilities; a team of inspirational and dedicated teaching staff; a well-developed and comprehensive curriculum; and through our KASH programme, we ensure that our students develop the skills they need to thrive in the ‘real world’. Most importantly our students tell us that they feel safe, they are happy and they feel confident. These are the starting points for a successful career in education and beyond. This is the basis upon which to build a caring, supportive and successful community. Our students make significant progress during their time at Marsden Heights as we support them on their learning journey and prepare them for life beyond school.
After this apprenticeship
On successful completion the apprentice will be qualified as a Level 3 Business Administrator which could provide a clear progression path, enabling individuals to develop their skills and advance in their careers.
The knowledge gained through apprenticeships can serve as a solid foundation for further specialisation or higher-level qualifications.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
UNITED CHURCH SCHOOLS TRUST
Rebecca Bradshaw
rbradshaw@marsdenheights.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000343904.
Apply now
Closes in 6 days (Friday 3 October 2025)
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