Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship

M H Southern

Tyne + Wear (NE10 0JS)

Closes in 9 days (Friday 10 October 2025)

Posted on 29 September 2025

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Summary

M H Southern are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic apprentice to join their friendly team. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience and industry knowledge while working towards a Level 3 Business Administration qualification.

• Wage:

  £15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday - Thursday between 08:00-16:30. Friday 08:00-15:30.

  39 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 3 November 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

Business Administration: 

• Handling incoming calls, emails, and face-to-face enquiries in a professional manner 
• Inputting and updating customer information, orders, and stock data 
• Supporting with filing, document management, and general admin tasks 
• Preparing reports, quotes, and sales documents as needed 
  Maintaining a clean and organised office environment

Sales Support (Timber Products): 

• Assisting trade and retail customers in person, over the phone, and via email 
• Learning about our range of timber products to support customer enquiries 
• Helping to generate quotes and process sales orders accurately 
• Liaising with the yard team to ensure efficient order picking and stock movement 
• Updating product knowledge and promotions 
• Supporting marketing or showroom displays where applicable 

Where you'll work

Green Lane Sawmills
Felling
Gateshead
Tyne + Wear
NE10 0JS

Training

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

Training provider

GATESHEAD 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

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 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
• Team working

About this employer

M H Southern & Company Ltd is a long-established, family-run timber merchant supplying a wide range of timber and sheet materials to both trade and retail customers across the North of England and into the Scottish Borders and beyond. We pride ourselves on expert product knowledge, excellent customer service, and traditional values with a modern approach.

After this apprenticeship

Potential for long-term employment on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

GATESHEAD COUNCIL

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000344050.

Apply now

Closes in 9 days (Friday 10 October 2025)

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