Apprentice Planning Business Support

South Hams District Council

Totnes (TQ9 5NE)

Closes in 28 days (Sunday 16 November 2025)

Posted on 15 October 2025

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Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to work with the Planning Business Support Team whilst undertaking and successfully completing an administrative based Level 3 apprenticeship. The role will start by responding to correspondence and enquiries in a timely manner and will progress with added duties and responsibilities.

• Wage:

  £17,000 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, working hours TBC

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Friday 2 January 2026

• 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

• Responding to correspondence and enquiries in a timely manner 
• Working from the office 1 day a week in Follaton House, Totnes
• Be a team player as you will switch between tasks 
• Provide guidance and updates to applicants, developers, agents and councillors 
• Process documents relating to planning applications

Where you'll work

Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
TQ9 5NE

Training

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

Training provider

SKILLS TO GROUP 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

• Business Administrator Level 3
• This role requires you to come to the office in Totnes 1 day a week and the rest of the week is remote working
• You are required to attend college taught sessions 2 days a month in Plympton, Plymouth

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
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative

About this employer

South Hams is a local government district on the south coast of Devon, England. Its council offices are based in the town of Totnes. The district also contains the towns of Ivybridge, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Salcombe and numerous villages and surrounding rural areas.

http://www.southhams.gov.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

This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable administrative experience while contributing to their planning objectives. You will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of their services.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SKILLS TO GROUP LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000346274.

Apply now

Closes in 28 days (Sunday 16 November 2025)

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